September 13, 2019
News Release 19-085
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-919
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Certain Welded Large Diameter Line Pipe From Japan

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on imports of certain welded large diameter line pipe from Japan 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 Japan will remain in place. 

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative. Commissioners Randolph J. Stayin and Amy A. Karpel did not participate in this vote.

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 Certain Welded Large Diameter Line Pipe from Japan (Inv. No. 731-TA-919 (Third Review), USITC Publication 4973, September 2019) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.

The report will be available by October 21, 2019; 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 Welded Large Diameter Line Pipe from Japan was instituted on September 4, 2018.

On December 10, 2018, the Commission voted to conduct a full review. Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns concluded that both the domestic and the responded 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.

# # #
September 10, 2019
News Release 19-082
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-731-TA-1455-1457 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations Concerning Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sheet from Korea and Oman, but not Mexico

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 polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheet from Korea and Oman that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.  The Commission further found that imports of this product from Mexico are negligible and voted to terminate the investigation concerning Mexico.

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative with respect to Korea and Oman and made a finding of negligibility with respect to Mexico.  Commissioner Randolph J. Stayin voted in the affirmative with respect to all investigations.

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue with its antidumping duty investigations concerning imports of this product from Korea and Oman, with its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about January 6, 2020.  As a result of the Commission’s finding of negligibility, the investigation concerning imports of this product from Mexico will be terminated.

The Commission’s public report Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sheet from Korea, Mexico, and Oman (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1455-1457 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4970, September 2019) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after October 11, 2019; 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

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sheet from Korea, Mexico, and Oman
Investigation Nos. 731‐TA‐1455‐1457 (Preliminary) 

Product Description:  PET of these investigations is a thermoplastic polymer that is manufactured into sheet form.  The primary end use is a wide variety of food, beverage and retail packaging.  PET sheet is used in the manufacture of products such as food trays and containers (e.g., cake and cookie containers, one‐time use school and hospital trays), carry‐out containers, fruit and vegetable clamshell containers and trays, drinking cups, medical trays, paint tray liners, consumer packaging, and packaging for electro‐static sensitive devices (such as integrated computer circuits).  PET sheet covered by these investigations is raw, pretreated, or primed polyethylene terephthalate sheet, whether extruded or coextruded, in nominal thicknesses of equal to or greater than 7 mil (0.007 inches or 177.8 mm) and not exceeding 45 mil (0.045 inches or 1143 mm). The investigations include all PET sheet whether made from prime (virgin) inputs or recycled inputs, as well as any blends thereof. The investigations include all PET sheet meeting the above specifications regardless of width, color, surface treatment, coating, lamination, or other surface finish.     

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Preliminary phase antidumping duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  Advanced Extrusion, Inc., Rogers, Minnesota; Ex‐Tech Plastics, Inc., Richmond, Illinois; and Multi‐Plastics Extrusions, Inc., Hazleton, Pennsylvania.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Tuesday, July 9, 2019.
4.   USITC Conference Date:  Tuesday, July 30, 2019.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Tuesday, September 10, 2019.
6.   USITC Views to Commerce:  Friday, September 20, 2019.

U.S. Industry in 2018:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  35.
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Illinois, Nebraska, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Georgia, California, New York, Texas, Ohio, Wisconsin, Arizona, New Jersey, Washington, Florida, Tennessee, Massachusetts, and Michigan.
3.   Production and related workers:  1,467.
4.   U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments:  $710 million.
5.   Apparent U.S. consumption:  [1]
6.   Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption:  1

U.S. Imports in 2018:

1.   Subject imports:  1
2.   Nonsubject imports:  1
3.   Leading import sources:  Oman.

 

[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.


 

# # #
September 5, 2019
News Release 19-081
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-455 and 731-TA-1149 (Second Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determinations in Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Circular Welded Carbon Quality Steel Line Pipe from China

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of circular welded carbon quality steel line pipe 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 determinations, the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from China will remain in place. 

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative.  Commissioners Randolph J. Stayin and Amy A. Karpel did not participate in these votes.

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 Circular Welded Carbon Quality Steel Line Pipe from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-455 and 731-TA-1149 (Second Review), USITC Publication 4955, September 2019) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.

The report will be available by October 10, 2019; 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 Circular Welded Carbon Quality Steel Line Pipe from China were instituted on April 1, 2019.

On July 5, 2019, the Commission voted to conduct expedited reviews. Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns 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.

# # #
August 22, 2019
News Release 19-077
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-627-629 and 731-TA-1458-1461 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations of Utility Scale Wind Towers from Canada, Indonesia, Korea, 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 utility scale wind towers from Canada, Indonesia, Korea, and Vietnam that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the governments of Canada, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative.  Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Meredith M. Broadbent did not participate in these votes.

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 Canada, Indonesia, Korea, and Vietnam, with its preliminary countervailing duty determinations due on or about October 2, 2019, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about December 16, 2019.

The Commission’s public report Utility Scale Wind Towers from Canada, Indonesia, Korea, and Vietnam (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-627-629 and 731-TA-1458-1461 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4952, August 2019) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after September 20, 2019; 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

Utility Scale Wind Towers from Canada, Indonesia, Korea, and Vietnam
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-627−629 and 731-TA-1458−1461 (Preliminary)

Product Description:  Wind towers, whether or not tapered, and sections thereof, are designed to support the nacelle and rotor blades of a wind turbine with a minimum rated electrical power generation capacity exceeding 100 kilowatts and with a minimum height of 50 meters measured from the base of the tower to the bottom of the nacelle when fully assembled. A wind tower section consists of, at a minimum, multiple steel plates rolled into cylindrical or conical shapes and welded together (or otherwise attached) to form a steel shell, regardless of coating, end-finish, painting, treatment, or method of manufacture, and with or without flanges, doors, or internal or external components attached to the wind tower section. Several wind tower sections are normally required to form a completed wind tower. Specifically excluded are (1) nacelles and rotor blades, regardless of whether they are attached to the wind tower; (2) any internal or external components which are not attached to the wind tower or sections thereof, unless those components are shipped with the tower sections; and (3) any products covered by the existing antidumping duty order on wind towers from Vietnam.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigations:  Preliminary countervailing duty and antidumping investigations.
2.   Petitioners: Arcosa Wind Towers Inc., Dallas, TX; and Broadwind Towers Inc., Manitowoc, WI.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Tuesday, July 9, 2019.
4.   USITC Conference Date:  Tuesday, July 30, 2019.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Thursday, August 22, 2019.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Friday, August 23, 2019.

U.S. Industry in 2018:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  6.
2.   Locations of producers’ plants:  Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin.
3.   Production and related workers:  2,155.
4.   U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments:  $868 million.
5.   Apparent U.S. consumption:  [1]
6.   Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption:  1

U.S. Imports in 2018:

1.   Subject imports:  $249 million.
2.   Nonsubject imports:  1
3.   Leading import sources:  Canada, Indonesia, Korea, and Vietnam.

 

[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.

# # #
August 20, 2019
News Release 19-076
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-608 and 731-TA-1420 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Steel Racks from China Injure 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 steel racks 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.

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative.  Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Meredith M. Broadbent did not participate in these votes.

As a result of the USITC’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from China. 

The Commission’s public report Steel Racks from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-608 and 731-TA-1420 (Final), USITC Publication 4951, September 2019) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by September 27, 2019; 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

Steel Racks from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-608 and 731-TA-1420 (Final)

Product Description:  A steel rack, sometimes referred to as a “storage rack,” is a structure consisting of the following hot-rolled or cold-formed steel structural components: (1) vertical columns connected by braces, (2) load-bearing horizontal beams, and (3) locking devices to secure the beams to the columns.  Certain types of steel racks may also include movable components, such as rails, wheels, rollers, tracks, channels, carts, or conveyors. Steel racks offer strength and stability for storing heavy loads in readily accessible rack configurations. Hence, they are utilized for short- or long-term holding of products or materials in warehouses, order-fulfillment and distribution centers, big-box retail stores, and manufacturing facilities.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigations:  Final countervailing duty and antidumping investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  The Coalition for Fair Rack Imports and its members:  Bulldog Rack Company, Weirton, WV; Elite Storage Solutions, Monroe, GA; Hannibal Industries Inc., Los Angeles, CA; Husky Rack and Wire, Denver, NC; Ridg-U-Rak Inc., North East, PA; SpaceRAK, a Division of Heartland Steel Products Inc., Marysville, MI; Speedrack Products Group Ltd., Sparta, MI; Steel King Industries Inc., Stevens Point, WI; Tri-Boro Shelving & Partition Corp., Farmville, VA; and UNARCO Material Handling Inc., Springfield, TN.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Wednesday, June 20, 2018.
4.   USITC Hearing Date:  Tuesday, July 16, 2019.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Tuesday, August 20, 2019.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Tuesday, September 3, 2019.

U.S. Industry in 2018:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  12.
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  California, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, 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 2018:

1.   Subject imports:  1
2.   Nonsubject imports:  1
3.   Leading import source:  Mexico.

 

[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.

# # #
August 2, 2019
News Release 19-069
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-609 and 731-TA-1421 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Steel Trailer Wheels from China Injure 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 steel trailer wheels 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.

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative. 

As a result of the USITC’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from China. 

The Commission also made negative findings concerning critical circumstances with regard to imports of this product from China.  As a result, imports of steel trailer wheels from China will not be subject to retroactive antidumping or countervailing duties.

The Commission’s public report Steel Trailer Wheels from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-609 and 731-TA-1421 (Final), USITC Publication 4943, August 2019) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by September 12, 2019; 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

Steel Trailer Wheels from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-609 and 731-TA-1421 (Final)

Product Description:  Trailer wheels are used to provide mobility for trailers, including utility trailers, cargo trailers, horse trailers, boat trailers, and towable recreational trailers (towable RVs).

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Final phase antidumping and countervailing duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  Dexstar Wheel, Elkhart, IN.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Wednesday, August 8, 2018.
4.   USITC Hearing Date: Tuesday, July 9, 2019.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Friday, August 2, 2019.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Thursday, August 22, 2019.

U.S. Industry in 2018:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  2.
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  Indiana and South Carolina.
3.   Production and related workers:  [1]
4.   U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments:  1
5.   Apparent U.S. consumption: 
6.   Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 1

U.S. Imports in 2018:

1.   Subject imports:  $73.0 million.
2.   Nonsubject imports: 
3.   Leading import sources:  China.

 

[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.

# # #
August 2, 2019
News Release 19-071
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1123 (Second Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Steel Wire Garment Hangers from China

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on imports of steel wire garment hangers 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 antidumping duty order on imports of this product from China will remain in place. 

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns 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 Steel Wire Garment Hangers from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-1123 (Second Review), USITC Publication 4945, August 2019) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.

The report will be available by September 12, 2019; 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 Steel Wire Garment Hangers from China was instituted on February 1, 2019.

On May 8, 2019, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review. Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for an expedited 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.

# # #
August 2, 2019
News Release 19-072
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-749 (Fourth Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Persulfates from China

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on imports of persulfates 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 antidumping duty order on imports of this product from China will remain in place. 

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns 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 Persulfates from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-749 (Fourth Review), USITC Publication 4946, August 2019) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.

The report will be available by September 5, 2019; 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 Persulfates from China was instituted on February 1, 2019.

On May 8, 2019, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review. Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for an expedited 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.

# # #
July 30, 2019
News Release 19-068
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-405-406 and 408 and 731-TA-899-901 and 906-908 (Third Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determinations in Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Hot-Rolled Carbon Steel Flat Products from China, India, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Ukraine

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty orders on imports of hot-rolled carbon steel flat products from China, India, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Ukraine and the existing countervailing duty order on imports of these products from Indonesia, Taiwan, and Thailand 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 antidumping duty orders on imports of these products from China, India, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Ukraine and the existing countervailing duty order on imports of these products from Indonesia, Taiwan, and Thailand will remain in place. 

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative.  Commissioner Meredith M. Broadbent did not participate in these reviews.

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 Hot-Rolled Carbon Steel Flat Products from China, India, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Ukraine (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-405-406 and 408 and 731-TA-899-901 and 906-908 (Third Review), USITC Publication 4942, August 2019) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.

The report will be available by September 3, 2019; 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 Hot-Rolled Carbon Steel Flat Products from China, India, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Ukraine were instituted on January 2, 2019.

On May 8, 2019, the Commission voted to conduct expedited reviews. Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group responses were inadequate and voted for expedited reviews.  Commissioner Meredith M. Broadbent did not participate in these 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.

# # #
July 19, 2019
News Release 19-065
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-626 and 731-TA-1452-1454 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations of Certain Collated Steel Staples from China, Korea, and Taiwan

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 collated steel staples from China that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.  The Commission further found that imports of this product from Korea and Taiwan are negligible and voted to terminate those investigations.

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein voted in the affirmative with respect to China and made findings of negligibility with respect to Korea and Taiwan.  Commissioner Jason E. Kearns did not participate in these investigations.

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 August 30, 2019, and its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about November 16, 2019.  As a result of the Commission’s findings of negligibility, the investigations concerning imports of this product from Korea and Taiwan will be terminated.

The Commission’s public report Certain Collated Steel Staples from China, Korea, and Taiwan (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-626 and 731-TA-1452-1454 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4939, July 2019) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after August 19, 2019; 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

Certain Collated Steel Staples from China, Korea, and Taiwan
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-626 and 731-TA-1452-1454 (Preliminary)

Product Description:  Certain collated steel staples (“CCS Staple”) are fasteners made from steel wire consisting of two same-size pointed or pointless legs connected by a crown located opposite from the staple-point ends, which is typically produced from low-carbon steel and is either uncoated or coated (galvanized with zinc). The principal use of a CCS staple is in structural and building construction to fasten two or more pieces of hard and dense material, including but not limited to wood or other solid building materials.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Preliminary phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  Kyocera Senco Industrial Tools, Inc., Cincinnati, OH.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Thursday, June 6, 2019.
4.   USITC Conference Date:  Thursday, June 27, 2019.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Friday, July 19, 2019.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Monday, July 22, 2019.

U.S. Industry in 2018:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  3
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  Indiana, New Hampshire, 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:  1

U.S. Imports in 2018:

1.   Subject imports:  1
2.   Nonsubject imports:  1
3.   Leading import sources:  China.

 

[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.

 

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