September 18, 2018
News Release 18-111
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-586 and 731-TA-1384 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Stainless Steel Flanges from India 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 stainless steel flanges from India 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 India. 

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

The Commission’s public report Stainless Steel Flanges from India (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-586 and 731-TA-1384 (Final), USITC Publication 4828, September 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by October 19, 2018; 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

Stainless Steel Flanges from India
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-586 and 731-TA-1384 (Final)

Product Description:  The stainless steel flanges subject to these investigations are forged and can be finished, semifinished, or unfinished. Subject flanges are made from stainless steel and are generally manufactured to, but not limited to, the material specification of ASTM/ASME A/SA182 or comparable domestic or foreign specifications. Subject stainless steel flanges meet the sizes and description standards for all pressure classes of ASME B16.5 and range in size from one-half inch to 24 inches in nominal pipe size. Stainless steel flanges are used to connect stainless steel pipe sections and piping components (valves, pumps, tanks, and other equipment) to form a piping system. Stainless steel flanges are usually welded or screwed to the ends of pipes or other equipment requiring a connection and are joined to each other by bolting. Forged stainless steel flanges are a component of stainless steel process piping in oil and gas refineries, nuclear power plants, chemical synthesis plants, paper mills, food processing facilities, and other applications where cleanliness and corrosion resistance are required and in electric power-generating plants where their high-temperature properties are needed.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigations:  Final phase antidumping and countervailing duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  Core Pipe Products, Inc., Carol Stream, IL; and Maass Flange Corporation, Houston, TX.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  August 16, 2017.
4.   USITC Hearing Date:  April 10, 2018.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  September 18, 2018.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  September 28, 2018.

U.S. Industry in 2017:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  5.
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  Illinois, Michigan, and Texas.
3.   Production and related workers:  218.
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 2017:

1.   Subject imports:  $77.8 million (China and India).
2.   Nonsubject imports:  $61.7 million.
3.   Leading import sources:  India, China, Canada, Philippines, and Mexico (in terms of total quantity).

 

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

# # #
September 12, 2018
News Release 18-110
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1189 (Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Large Power Transformers from Korea

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on imports of large power transformers from Korea 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 Korea 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 Large Power Transformers from Korea (Inv. No. 731-TA-1189 (Review), USITC Publication 4826, September 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.

The report will be available by October 17, 2018; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.


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 Large Power Transformers from Korea was instituted on July 3, 2017.

On October 6, 2017, the Commission voted to conduct a full review. Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, David S. Johanson, Irving A. Williamson, and Meredith M. Broadbent concluded that both the domestic group response and the respondent group response 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 7, 2018
News Release 18-107
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-344 (Fourth Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Tapered Roller Bearings from China

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on imports of tapered roller bearings 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 Tapered Roller Bearings from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-344 (Fourth Review), USITC Publication 4824, September 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.

The report will be available by October 15, 2018; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.


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 Tapered Roller Bearings from China was instituted on July 3, 2017.

On October 6, 2017, the Commission voted to conduct a full review. Commissioners David S. Johanson and Meredith M. Broadbent concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate, but that circumstances warranted a full review.  Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein and Irving A. Williamson 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 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.

# # #
August 31, 2018
News Release 18-106
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1396 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Forged Steel Fittings from Taiwan 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 forged steel fittings from Taiwan 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 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 determination, Commerce will issue antidumping duties on imports of these products from Taiwan.

The Commission’s public report Forged Steel Fittings from Taiwan (Inv. No. 731-TA-1396 (Final), USITC Publication 4823, September 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.

The report will be available by October 5, 2018; 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

Forged Steel Fittings from Taiwan
Investigation No. 731-TA-1396 (Final)

Product Description:  The merchandise covered by this investigation is carbon and alloy forged steel fittings (FSF); available in a variety of shapes (including but not limited to elbows, tees, crosses, laterals, couplings, reducers, caps, plugs, bushings, unions, and outlets); either finished or unfinished; whether or not having threaded, socket weld, or other end connections; regardless of nominal pipe size, pressure rating, and wall thickness; and whether or not heat treated. These fittings are produced by forging from cast steel blanks or machining from bar stock or seamless tubular steel products. Specifically excluded are stainless steel fittings; butt-weld fittings, outlets, and nipples; and all fittings with a maximum pressure ratings of 300 pounds or less. FSF are utilized in oil and gas piping systems, chemical and petrochemical plants, electric-power generating plants, and industrial piping systems for distributing liquids and gasses under high pressure or that are corrosive.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Final antidumping investigation.
2.   Petitioners:  Bonney Forge Corp., Mount Union, Pennsylvania; and the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union (USW), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  October 5, 2017.
4.   USITC Hearing Date:  August 2, 2018.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  August 31, 2018.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  September 14, 2018.

U.S. Industry in 2017:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  4.
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  Louisiana, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and 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 2017:

1.   Subject imports:  $32.0 million.
2.   Nonsubject imports:  1
3.   Leading import source:  Taiwan, China, and Italy.

 

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

 

# # #
August 29, 2018
News Release 18-103
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-584 and 731-TA-1382 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Uncoated Groundwood Paper 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 uncoated groundwood paper from Canada 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 negative.

As a result of the USITC’s negative determinations, no antidumping or countervailing duty orders will be issued on imports of this product from Canada.

The Commission’s public report Uncoated Groundwood Paper from Canada (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-584 and 731-TA-1382 (Final), USITC Publication 4822, September 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The publication will be available by October 8, 2018; 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

Uncoated Groundwood Paper from Canada
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-584 and 731-TA-1382 (Final)

Product Description:  The paper subject to these investigations has not been coated on either side and has 50 percent or more of its cellulose fiber content consisting of groundwood pulp, including groundwood pulp made from recycled paper, weighing not more than 90 grams per square meter. Groundwood pulp includes all forms of pulp produced from a mechanical pulping process. Certain uncoated groundwood paper can be shipped in any form, including, but not limited to, both rolls and sheets. Certain uncoated groundwood paper includes, but is not limited to, standard newsprint, high bright newsprint, and book publishing, printing, and writing papers. The scope includes paper that is white, off-white, cream, or colored.    

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Final phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  North Pacific Paper Company, Longview, WA.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Wednesday, August 9, 2017.
4.   USITC Hearing Date:  Tuesday, July 17, 2018.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Wednesday, August 29, 2018.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Monday, September 24, 2018.

U.S. Industry in 2017:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  4.
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington.
3.   Production and related workers:  1,465.
4.   U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments:  $678 million.
5.   Apparent U.S. consumption:  1
6.   Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption:  1

U.S. Imports in 2017:

1.   Subject imports:  [1]
2.   Nonsubject imports:  1
3.   Leading import sources:  Canada.

 

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

# # #
August 24, 2018
News Release 18-102
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-678-679 and 681-683 (Fourth Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determinations in Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Stainless Steel Bar from Brazil, India, Japan, and Spain

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today announced its determinations in its five-year (sunset) reviews concerning stainless steel bar from Brazil, India, Japan, and Spain.

The Commission determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on imports of stainless steel bar from India would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time. 

The Commission further determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty orders on imports of this product from Brazil, Japan, and Spain would not 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 India will remain in place.  As a result of the Commission’s negative determinations, the existing antidumping duty orders on imports of this product from Brazil, Japan, and Spain will be revoked.

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative with respect to India and in the negative with respect to Brazil, Japan, and Spain.

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 Stainless Steel Bar from Brazil, India, Japan, and Spain (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-678-679 and 681-682 (Fourth Review), USITC Publication 4820, September 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.

The report will be available by October 2, 2018; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.


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 Stainless Steel Bar from Brazil, India, Japan, and Spain were instituted on July 3, 2017.

On October 6, 2017, the Commission voted to conduct full reviews. With respect to Japan and Spain, Commissioners Schmidtlein, Johanson, Williamson, and Broadbent concluded that both the domestic group response and the respondent group responses were adequate and voted for full reviews.  With respect to Brazil and India, Commissioners Schmidtlein, Johanson, Williamson, and Broadbent concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group responses were inadequate, but that circumstances warranted full reviews.

A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct full 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 3, 2018
News Release 18-096
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-583 and 731-TA-1381 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings Other Than Drain Bodies from China Injure U.S. Industry, Says USITC

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today made its determinations in its final phase antidumping and countervailing duty investigations.

The Commission found two domestic like products and industries in these investigations. 

The Commission determined that a U.S. industry is not materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of drain bodies 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.

The Commission further determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of all other cast iron soil pipe fittings 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 negative with respect to drain bodies and in the affirmative with respect to all other cast iron soil pipe fittings from China.

As a result of the USITC’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duties on imports of cast iron soil pipe fittings other than drain bodies from China.  No antidumping or countervailing duty orders will be issued on imports of drain bodies from China.

The Commission also made a negative finding concerning critical circumstances with regard to imports of cast iron soil pipe fittings other than drain bodies from China.  As a result, imports of this product from China will not be subject to retroactive antidumping duties.

The Commission’s public report Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-583 and 731-TA-1381 (Final), USITC Publication 4812, August 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by September 10, 2018; 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

Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-583 and 731-TA-1381 (Final)

Product Description:  The merchandise covered by this investigation is cast iron soil pipe fittings, finished and unfinished, regardless of industry or proprietary specifications, and regardless of size. Cast iron soil pipe fittings are nonmalleable iron castings of various designs and sizes, including, but not limited to, bends, tees, wyes, traps, drains, and other common or special fittings, with or without side inlets.  Cast iron soil pipe fittings are classified into two major types-hubless and hub and spigot. Hubless cast iron soil pipe fittings are manufactured without a hub, generally in compliance with Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute (CISPI) specification 301 and/or American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specification A888. Hub and spigot pipe fittings have hubs into which the spigot (plain end) of the pipe or fitting is inserted. Cast iron soil pipe fittings are generally distinguished from other types of nonmalleable cast iron fittings by the manner in which they are connected to cast iron soil pipe and other fittings.  The subject imports are normally classified in subheading 7307.11.0045 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS): Cast fittings of nonmalleable cast iron for cast iron soil pipe. They may also be entered under HTSUS 7324.29.0000 and 7307.92.3010. The HTSUS subheading and specifications are provided for convenience and customs purposes only; the written description of the scope of this investigation is dispositive.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Final phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute, Mundelein, Illinois.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Thursday, July 13, 2017.
4.   USITC Hearing Date:  Tuesday, June 26, 2018.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Friday, August 3, 2018.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Monday, August 20, 2018.

U.S. Industry in 2017:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  3.
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  California, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and 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 2017:

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

 

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

# # #
August 3, 2018
News Release 18-095
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-608 and 731-TA-1420 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations Concerning Steel Racks 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 steel racks from China 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 Irving A. Williamson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative.  Commissioner Meredith M. Broadbent 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, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about September 13, 2018, and its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about November 27, 2018.

The Commission’s public report Steel Racks from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-608 and 731-TA-1420 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4811, August 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after September 10, 2018; 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

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

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 investigation:  Preliminary countervailing duty and antidumping investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  The Coalition for Fair Rack Imports and its members:  Bulldog Rack Company, Weirton, WV; 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 Conference Date:  Wednesday, July 11, 2018.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Friday, August 3, 2018.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Monday, August 6, 2018.

U.S. Industry in 2017:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  11.
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  California, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, West 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 2017:

1.   Subject imports:  $44.1 million.
2.   Nonsubject imports:  1
3.   Leading import source:  China.

 

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

# # #
July 31, 2018
News Release 18-094
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-489 and 731-TA-1201 (Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determinations in Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Drawn Stainless Steel Sinks from China

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of drawn stainless steel sinks 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 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 these five-year (sunset) reviews.

The Commission’s public report Drawn Stainless Steel Sinks from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-489 and 731-TA-1201 (Review), USITC Publication 4810, August 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.

The report will be available by September 4, 2018; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.


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 Drawn Stainless Steel Sinks from China were instituted on March 1, 2018.

On June 4, 2018, the Commission voted to conduct expedited reviews.  Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Meredith M. Broadbent concluded that the domestic group response for these reviews was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for expedited reviews.  Commissioner Jason E. Kearns did not participate in these adequacy determinations. 

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.

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July 19, 2018
News Release 18-090
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1378-1379 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Low Melt Polyester Staple Fiber from Korea and Taiwan 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 low melt polyester staple fiber from Korea and Taiwan 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 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, the U.S. Department of Commerce will issue antidumping duties on imports of this product from Korea and Taiwan.

The Commission also made a negative finding concerning critical circumstances with regard to imports of this product from Korea.  As a result, imports of low melt polyester staple fiber from Korea will not be subject to retroactive antidumping duties.

The Commission’s public report Low Melt Polyester Staple Fiber from Korea and Taiwan (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1378 and 1379 (Final), USITC Publication 4808, August 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by August 22, 2018; 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

Low Melt Polyester Staple Fiber (PSF) from Korea and Taiwan
Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1378-1379 (Final)

Product Description:  Low melt polyester staple fiber (PSF) is a synthetic (man-made) staple fiber,  not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning, made entirely of polyester. It is similar in appearance to cotton or wool fiber when baled. It is most commonly comprised of a pure polyester core and a pure polyester outer sheath. The sheath, which melts at a lower temperature (approximate melt point of 90  C to 220  C) than the core (approximate melt point of 250  C), provides a stable structure that allows the fiber to be processed smoothly into another form  and acts as an agent for thermal-bonding to the core polymer. Low melt PSF can be used in nonwoven products for a broad spectrum of downstream industries:  automotive (door trim, dash pads, wheel guards, carpets, trunk and hood liners), industrial purposes (soundproofing and insulation for construction, water and air filtration (such as air-filtering face masks)), and hygienic products (wipes, diapers, sanitary and medical goods, etc.). 

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Final phase antidumping duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  Nan Ya Plastics Corporation, America, Livingston, NJ.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Tuesday, June 27, 2017.
4.   USITC Hearing Date:  Tuesday, June 19, 2018.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Thursday, July 19, 2018.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Wednesday, August 1, 2018.

U.S. Industry in 2017:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  2.
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  South Carolina and Tennessee.
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 2017:

1.   Subject imports:  1
2.   Nonsubject imports:  1
3.   Leading import sources:  Korea, Taiwan.

 

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

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