Antidumping
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations on Mattresses from from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of mattresses from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the government of China.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue with its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations concerning imports of this product from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about June 24, 2020, and its antidumping duty determinations due on or about September 8, 2020.
The Commission’s public report Mattresses from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-645 and 731-TA-1495-1501 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5059, May 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after June 12, 2020; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Mattresses from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-645 and 731-TA-1495-1501 (Preliminary)
Product Description: "Mattress" generally means a resilient material or combination of materials generally enclosed by ticking that is intended or promoted for sleeping upon by people. Mattresses generally consist of (1) a core, (2) upholstery material, and (3) ticking. The core provides the main support system of the mattress. The core may consist of innersprings, non-innersprings (e.g., foam), other resilient filling, or a combination of these materials. "Upholstery" refers to the material between the core and the ticking. "Ticking" refers to the cover or the outermost layer of fabric or other material that encloses the core and any upholstery material.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Preliminary phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: Brooklyn Bedding, Phoenix, AZ; Corsicana Mattress Co., Dallas, TX; Elite Comfort Solutions, Newnan, GA; FXI, Inc., Media, PA; Innocor, Inc., Media, PA; Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc., Chicago, IL; Leggett & Platt, Inc., Carthage, MO; the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Washington, DC; and United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union, AFLCIO, Washington, DC.
3. USITC Institution Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
4. USITC Conference Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2020.
5. USITC Vote Date: Thursday, May 14, 2020.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Friday, May 15, 2020.
U.S. Industry in 2019:
1. Number of U.S. producers: at least 63.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.
3. Production and related workers: [1]
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $4.8 billion.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: 1
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 1
U.S. Imports in 2019:
1. Subject imports: $1.1 billion.
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: China, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations Concerning Non-Refillable Steel Cylinders from China
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of non-refillable steel cylinders from China that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue with its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations concerning imports of this product from China, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about June 22, 2020, and its antidumping duty determination due on or about September 3, 2020.
The Commission’s public report Non-Refillable Steel Cylinders from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-644 and 731-TA-1494 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5057, May 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after June 8, 2020; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Non-Refillable Steel Cylinders from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-644 and 731-TA-1494 (Preliminary)
Product Description: The non-refillable steel cylinders covered by these investigations are produced to meet the requirements of U.S. Department of Transportation Specification 39, TransportCanada Specification 39M, or United Nations pressure receptacle standard ISO 11118. The subject non-refillable steel cylinders are portable and range from 300-cubic inch (4.9 liter) water capacity to 1,526-cubic inch (25 liter) water capacity. The subject non-refillable steel cylinders may be imported with or without a valve and/or pressure-release device and are unfilled at the time of importation. Specifically excluded are seamless non-refillable steel cylinders.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioner: Worthington Industries, Columbus, OH.
3. USITC Institution Date: Friday, March 27, 2020.
4. USITC Conference Date: Friday, April 15, 2020 – Wednesday April 22, 2020 (conducted through written statements, testimony, and questions and responses).
5. USITC Vote Date: Friday, May 8, 2020.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Monday, May 11, 2020.
U.S. Industry in 2019:
1. Number of U.S. producers: One.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Kentucky and Ohio.
3. Production and related workers: [1]
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: 1
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: 1
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: percent. 1
U.S. Imports in 2019:
1. Subject imports: 1
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: China.
[1] Withheld to avoid revealing business proprietary information.
USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Silicon Metal from Russia
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on imports of silicon metal from Russia would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determination, the existing antidumping duty order on imports of this product from Russia will remain in place.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.
Today’s action comes under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. See the attached page for background on this five-year (sunset) review.
The Commission’s public report Silicon Metal from Russia (Inv. No. 731-TA-991 (Third Review), USITC Publication 5058, May 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.
The report will be available by June 17, 2020; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
BACKGROUND
The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time.
The Commission’s institution notice in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file responses with the Commission concerning the likely effects of revoking the order under review as well as other information. Generally within 95 days from institution, the Commission will determine whether the responses it has received reflect an adequate or inadequate level of interest in a full review. If responses to the USITC’s notice of institution are adequate, or if other circumstances warrant a full review, the Commission conducts a full review, which includes a public hearing and issuance of questionnaires.
The Commission generally does not hold a hearing or conduct further investigative activities in expedited reviews. Commissioners base their injury determination in expedited reviews on the facts available, including the Commission’s prior injury and review determinations, responses received to its notice of institution, data collected by staff in connection with the review, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.
The five-year (sunset) review concerning Silicon Metal from Russia was instituted on June 3, 2019.
On September 6, 2019, the Commission voted to conduct a full review. Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel concluded that both the domestic and the respondent group responses were adequate and voted for a full review.
A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct a full review is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations Concerning Small Vertical Shaft Engines from China
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of small vertical shaft engines from China that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue with its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations concerning imports of this product from China, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about June 11, 2020, and its antidumping duty determination due on or about August 25, 2020.
The Commission’s public report Small Vertical Shaft Engines from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-643 and 731-TA-1493 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5054, May 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after June 1, 2020; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Small Vertical Shaft Engines from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-643 and 731-TA-1493 (Preliminary)
Product Description: Spark-ignited, non-road, vertical shaft engines, whether finished or unfinished, whether assembled or unassembled, whether mounted or unmounted, primarily for walk-behind lawn mowers. Engines meeting this physical description may also be for other non-hand-held outdoor power equipment, including but not limited to, pressure washers. The subject engines are spark ignition, single-cylinder, air cooled, internal combustion engines with vertical power take off shafts with a minimum displacement of 99 cubic centimeters (cc) and a maximum displacement of up to, but not including, 225cc. Typically, engines with displacements of this size generate gross power of between 1.95 kilowatts (kw) to 4.75 kw.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: Briggs & Stratton Corporation, Wauwatosa, WI.
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2020.
4. USITC Conference Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2020.
5. USITC Vote Date: Friday, May 1, 2020.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Monday, May 4, 2020.
U.S. Industry in 2019:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 2.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Kentucky, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.
3. Production and related workers: [1]
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: 1
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: 1
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 1
U.S. Imports in 2019:
1. Subject imports: 1
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: China.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
Ceramic Tile from China Injures U.S. Industry, Says USITC
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of ceramic tile from China that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative. Chairman David S. Johanson voted in the negative. Commissioner Randolph J. Stayin did not participate in these investigations.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from China.
The Commission also made a negative finding concerning critical circumstances with regard to imports of this product from China. As a result, imports of ceramic tile from China will not be subject to retroactive antidumping duties.
The Commission’s public report Ceramic Tile from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-621 and 731-TA-1447 (Final), USITC Publication 5053, May 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by June 2, 2020; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Ceramic Tile from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-621 and 731-TA-1447 (Final)
Product Description: Ceramic tile (e.g., flooring tile, wall tile, paving tile, hearth tile, porcelain tile, mosaic tile, flags, finishing tile, etc.) contains a mixture of clay and other minerals that is fired so that the raw materials are fused together into a finished product that is less than 3.2 cm (1.3 inches) thick. All ceramic tile is subject to the scope regardless of end use, surface area, and weight; whether glazed or unglazed; water absorption coefficient; extent of vitrification; and whether or not on a backing. Ceramic tile may also include decorative features that may in spots exceed 3.2 cm (1.3 inches) in thickness. Ceramic tile “slabs” or “panels” are larger than 1 square meter (11 square feet). Subject merchandise also includes ceramic tile that undergoes minor processing (e.g., beveling, cutting, trimming, staining, painting, polishing, finishing, additional firing, etc.) in a third country prior to importation into the United States, or undergoes minor processing after importation into the United States.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Final-phase countervailing duty and antidumping investigations.
2. Petitioners: American Wonder Porcelain, Lebanon, TN; Crossville Inc., Crossville, TN; Dal‐Tile Corp., Dallas, TX; Del Conca USA Inc., Loudon, TN; Florida Tile Inc., Lexington, KY; Florim USA, Clarksville, TN; Landmark Ceramics, Mount Pleasant, TN; and StonePeak Ceramics, Chicago, IL.
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, April 10, 2019.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Tuesday, March 30 – Thursday, April 10, 2020 (conducted through written statements, testimony, questions and responses, and oral closing arguments).
5. USITC Vote Date: Thursday, April 30, 2020.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Tuesday, May 21, 2020.
U.S. Industry in 2018:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 13.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, California, Kentucky, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas.
3. Production and related workers: 3,399.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $1.3 billion.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: $3.5 billion.
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 17.6 percent.
U.S. Imports in 2018:
1. Subject imports: $624.4 million.
2. Nonsubject imports: $1.7 billion.
3. Leading import sources: Brazil, China, Italy, Mexico, and Spain.
Sodium Sulfate Anhydrous from Canada Does Not Injure U.S. Industry, Says USITC
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is not materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of sodium sulfate anhydrous from Canada that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the negative.
As a result of the Commission’s negative determination, no antidumping duty order will be issued.
The Commission’s public report Sodium Sulfate Anhydrous from Canada (Inv. No. 731-TA-1446 (Final), USITC Publication 5050, May 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.
The report will be available by May 27, 2020; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Sodium Sulfate Anhydrous from Canada
Investigation No. 731-TA-1446 (Final)
Product Description: Sodium sulfate anhydrous (SSA) is a white, granular, crystallized powder with the chemical formula Na2SO4. This salt is primarily used in powder detergent formulations, glassmaking, pulp and paper, and textile dying. The subject merchandise includes SSA whose percentage of particles between 20 mesh and 100 mesh ranges from 10-95 percent and the percentage of particles finer than 100 mesh ranges from 5-90 percent, based on U.S. mesh series screens. The SSA may be of any purity, grade, color, and form of packaging, so long as there is no water of crystallization present. The product may be made either naturally, as a derivative of brines, or synthetically, as part of another chemical process.
Status of Proceeding:
1. Type of investigation: Final phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigation.
2. Petitioners: Cooper Natural Resources, Inc., Fort Worth, TX; Elementis Global LLC, East Windsor, NJ; and Searles Valley Minerals, Inc., Overland Park, KS.
3. USITC Initiation Date: Thursday, March 28, 2019.
4. USITC Commission’s Hearing Date: Thursday, March 19, 2020 (virtual hearing, conducted via written submissions).
5. USITC Commission’s Vote Date: Thursday, April 23, 2020.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Thursday, May 14, 2020.
U.S. Industry in 2018:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 7.
2. Location of producers’ plants: California, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas.
3. Production and related workers: 132.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $27.6 million.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: $35.1 million.
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 10.6 percent.
U.S. Imports in 2018:
1. Subject imports: $5.8 million.
2. Nonsubject imports: $1.7 million.
3. Leading import sources: Canada, China, India, Japan.
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations Concerning Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet from Bahrain, Brazil, Croatia, Egypt, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, Oman, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, and Turkey
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of common alloy aluminum sheet from Bahrain, Brazil, Croatia, Egypt, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, Oman, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, and Turkey that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the governments of Bahrain, Brazil, India, and Turkey.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue with its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations concerning imports of this product from Bahrain, Brazil, Croatia, Egypt, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, Oman, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, and Turkey, with its preliminary countervailing duty determinations due on or about June 3, 2020, and its antidumping duty determinations due on or about August 17, 2020.
The Commission’s public report Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet from Bahrain, Brazil, Croatia, Egypt, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, Oman, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, and Turkey (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-639-642 and 731-TA-1475-1492 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5049, April 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after May 21, 2020; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet from
Bahrain, Brazil, Croatia, Egypt, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy,
Korea, Oman, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, and Turkey
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-639-642 and 731-TA-1475-1492 (Preliminary)
Product Description: Common alloy aluminum sheet (CAAS) is a thin flat-rolled aluminum product. It has a thickness of 6.3 mm or less, but greater than 0.2 mm, in coils or cut-to-length, regardless of width. CAAS within the scope of these investigations include both not clad and multi-alloy clad aluminum sheet. Not clad aluminum can be produced from a 1XXX, 3XXX, or 5XXX series alloy, while multi-alloy clad CAAS is produced using a 3XXX series alloy core, to which cladding layers are applied to either one or both sides of the core. CAAS in this instance specifically excludes can stock used in the manufacturing of aluminum beverage cans, lids, and tabs for such cans. CAAS is used in applications such as building and construction, electrical, infrastructure, marine, and transportation, among others.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Preliminary phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: Aleris Rolled Products, Inc.; Arconic, Inc.; Constellium Rolled Products Ravenswood, LLC; JW Aluminum Company; Novelis Corporation; and Texarkana Aluminum, Inc.
3. USITC Institution Date: March 9, 2020.
4. USITC Conference Date: March 27 – April 2, 2020.
5. USITC Vote Date: April 22, 2020.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: April 23, 2020.
U.S. Industry in 2019:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 9 confirmed producers.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
3. Production and related workers: 4,731.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $4.1 billion.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: $7.4 billion.
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 30.6 percent by value.
U.S. Imports in 2019:
1. Subject imports: $2.3 billion.
2. Nonsubject imports: $1.1 billion.
3. Leading import sources: Canada, Germany, Bahrain, Oman.
USITC Votes to Continue Investigation Concerning Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene from Korea
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene from Korea that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determination, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue with its antidumping duty investigation concerning imports of this product from Korea, with its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about August 11, 2020.
The Commission’s public report Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene from Korea (Inv. No. 731-TA-1474 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5048, April 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.
The report will be available after May 18, 2020; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene from Korea
Investigation No. 731-TA-1474 (Preliminary)
Product Description: Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) is an extremely high viscosity, substantially linear polyethylene, typically in the form of a granule or powder. It is defined by its melt mass-flow rate of <0.1 g/10 min, measured at 190°C and 21.6 kg load, and includes blends but excludes medical-grade UHMWPE. UHMWPE has the highest impact strength of the polyethylenes and is used to create fibers that are used in demanding, high strength applications such as ballistic and slash-proof armor, as well as snowboards, skis, cut-resistant gloves, bow strings, climbing equipment, fishing line, spear lines for spear-guns, high performance sails, suspension lines on sport parachutes and paragliders, rigging in yachting, tow lines for boating, kites, and kite lines for kite sports. UHMWPE can be used in a variety of industries, including construction, agriculture, material handling, transportation, textile, pulp and paper, wastewater treatment, food and beverage, mining, marine applications, porous plastics, oil and gas, high performance fibers, and battery separators.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary phase antidumping duty investigation.
2. Petitioner: Celanese Corporation, TX.
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2020.
4. USITC Conference Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2020.
5. USITC Vote Date: Friday, April 17, 2020.
6. USITC Views to Commerce: Monday, April 27, 2020.
U.S. Industry in 2019:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 2.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Texas.
3. Production and related workers: [1]
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: 1
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: 1
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 1
U.S. Imports in 2019:
1. Subject imports: 1
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: Brazil, Germany, Japan, Korea, and the Netherlands.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Sugar from Mexico
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that terminating the suspended investigations on imports of sugar from Mexico would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the existing suspended investigations on imports of this product from Mexico will remain in effect.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randoph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.
Today’s action comes under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. See the attached page for background on these five-year (sunset) reviews.
The Commission’s public report Sugar from Mexico (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-513 and 731-TA-1249 (Review), USITC Publication 5045, April 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.
The report will be available by May 12, 2020; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
BACKGROUND
The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time.
The Commission’s institution notice in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file responses with the Commission concerning the likely effects of revoking the order under review as well as other information. Generally within 95 days from institution, the Commission will determine whether the responses it has received reflect an adequate or inadequate level of interest in a full review. If responses to the USITC’s notice of institution are adequate, or if other circumstances warrant a full review, the Commission conducts a full review, which includes a public hearing and issuance of questionnaires.
The Commission generally does not hold a hearing or conduct further investigative activities in expedited reviews. Commissioners base their injury determination in expedited reviews on the facts available, including the Commission’s prior injury and review determinations, responses received to its notice of institution, data collected by staff in connection with the review, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.
The five-year (sunset) reviews concerning Sugar from Mexico were instituted on November 29, 2019.
On March 3, 2020, the Commission voted to conduct expedited reviews. Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for expedited reviews.
A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct expedited reviews is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.
USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Chlorinated Isocyanurates from China
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing countervailing duty order on imports of chlorinated isocyanurates from China would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determination, the existing countervailing duty order on imports of this product from China will remain in place.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative. Commissioner Jason E. Kearns did not participate in this review.
Today’s action comes under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. See the attached page for background on this five-year (sunset) review.
The Commission’s public report Chlorinated Isocyanurates from China (Inv. No. 701-TA-501 (Review), USITC Publication 5044, April 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.
The report will be available by May 8, 2020; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
BACKGROUND
The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time.
The Commission’s institution notice in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file responses with the Commission concerning the likely effects of revoking the order under review as well as other information. Generally within 95 days from institution, the Commission will determine whether the responses it has received reflect an adequate or inadequate level of interest in a full review. If responses to the USITC’s notice of institution are adequate, or if other circumstances warrant a full review, the Commission conducts a full review, which includes a public hearing and issuance of questionnaires.
The Commission generally does not hold a hearing or conduct further investigative activities in expedited reviews. Commissioners base their injury determination in expedited reviews on the facts available, including the Commission’s prior injury and review determinations, responses received to its notice of institution, data collected by staff in connection with the review, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.
The five-year (sunset) review concerning Chlorinated Isocyanurates from China was instituted on October 1, 2019.
On January 6, 2020, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review. Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for an expedited review. Commissioner Jason E. Kearns did not participate in this review.
A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct an expedited review is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.