July 10, 2018
News Release 18-085
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-582 and 731-TA-1377 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Ripe Olives from Spain 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 ripe olives from Spain 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 and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein voted in the affirmative.  Commissioner Meredith M. Broadbent voted in the negative.  Commissioner Jason E. Kearns did not participate in these investigations.

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

The Commission’s public report Ripe Olives from Spain (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-582 and 731-TA-1377 (Final), USITC Publication 4805, July 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.

The report will be available by August 14, 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

Ripe Olives from Spain
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-582 and 731-TA-1377 (Final)

Product Description:  Ripe olives are certain processed olives. Ripe olives are principally used as ingredients in pizzas, salads, and sandwiches but can also be eaten as snacks or appetizers.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Final phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  Bell-Carter Foods, Walnut Creek, CA and Musco Family Olive Company, Tracy, CA.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Thursday, June 22, 2017.
4.   USITC Hearing Date:  Thursday, May 24, 2018.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Tuesday, July 10, 2018.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Tuesday, July 24, 2018.

U.S. Industry in 2017:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  2.
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  California.
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:  $76.3 million.
2.   Nonsubject imports:  1
3.  Leading import sources:  Spain, Morocco.

 

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

# # #

# # #
July 5, 2018
News Release 18-082
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-607 and 731-TA-1417 and 1419 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations Concerning Steel Propane Cylinders from China and Thailand

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 propane cylinders from China and Thailand 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, Meredith M. Broadbent, and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein voted in the affirmative.  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, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about August 15, 2018, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about October 29, 2018.

The Commission’s public report Steel Propane Cylinders from China and Thailand, Inv. Nos. 701-TA-607 and 731-TA-1417 and 1419 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4804, July 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after August 3, 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 Propane Cylinders from China and Thailand
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-607 and 731-TA-1417 and 1419 (Preliminary)

Product Description:  Steel propane cylinders, used for the storage, transport, and dispensing of compressed or liquefied propane gas, are produced to meet the requirements of U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Specifications 4B, 4BA, or 4BW; Transport Canada Specification 4BM, 4BAM, or 4BWM; or United Nations pressure receptacle standard ISO 4706. Steel propane cylinders range from 2.5 pound nominal gas capacity (approximate 6 pound water capacity and approximate 4–6 pound tare weight) to 42 pound nominal gas capacity (approximate 100 pound water capacity and approximate 2832 pound tare weight). Steel propane cylinders have two or fewer ports and may be imported assembled or unassembled (i.e., welded or brazed before or after importation), with or without all components (including collars, valves, gauges, tanks, foot rings, and overfill prevention devices), and coated or uncoated. Also included within the scope are drawn cylinder halves, unfinished propane cylinders, collars, and foot rings for steel propane cylinders.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Preliminary countervailing duty and antidumping investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  Worthington Industries Inc., Columbus, Ohio; and Manchester Tank and Equipment, Franklin, Tennessee.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Tuesday, May 22, 2018.
4.   USITC Conference Date:  Tuesday, June 12, 2018.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Thursday, July 5, 2018.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Friday, July 6, 2018.

U.S. Industry in 2017:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  2.
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  California, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, 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:  Thailand and China.

 

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

# # #

# # #
June 28, 2018
News Release 18-079
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1369-1372 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Dumped Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber from China, India, 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 fine denier polyester staple fiber from China, India, 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, and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein voted in the affirmative.  Commissioner Jason E. Kearns did not participate in this investigation.

As a result of the USITC’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping duty orders on imports of these products from China, India, Korea, and Taiwan.

The Commission’s public report Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber from China, India, Korea, and Taiwan (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1369-1372 (Final), USITC Publication 4803, July 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.

The report will be available by August 3, 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

Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber from China, India, Korea, and Taiwan
Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1369-1372 (Final)

Product Description:  Fine denier PSF is a manmade fiber, similar in appearance to cotton or wool. The distinguishing physical characteristics of fine denier polyester staple fiber include the denier count (less than 3 denier) and the length of the fiber. Other variable characteristics of fine denier PSF may be the finish ("luster") applied to the fiber, and the "crimp" of the fiber, which impacts the fiber's tenacity, or strength. Fine denier PSF is used for knit, woven, and nonwoven applications. Knit or woven applications include the production of textiles, such as clothing and bed linens. Nonwoven applications include the production of household and hygiene products such as baby wipes, diapers, or coffee filters.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Final phase antidumping duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  Dak Americas, LLC, Charlotte, NC; Nan Ya Plastics Corporation, America, Lake City, SC; Auriga Polymers Inc., Charlotte, NC.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Wednesday, May 31, 2017.
4.   USITC Hearing Date:  Wednesday, January 17, 2018.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Thursday, June 28, 2018.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Friday, July 13, 2018.

U.S. Industry in 2016:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  5.
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  North Carolina and South Carolina.
3.   Production and related workers:  654.
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 2016:

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

 

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

# # #

# # #
June 20, 2018
News Release 18-075
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1374-1376 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Citric Acid and Certain Citrate Salts from Belgium, Colombia, and Thailand 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 citric acid and certain citrate salts from Belgium, Colombia, and Thailand 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, and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein voted in the affirmative.  Commissioner Jason E. Kearns did not participate in these investigations.

As a result of the USITC’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping duty orders on imports of these products from Belgium, Colombia, and Thailand.

The Commission also made a negative finding concerning critical circumstances with regard to imports of this product from Thailand.  As a result, imports of citric acid and certain citrate salts from Thailand will not be subject to retroactive antidumping duties.

The Commission’s public report Citric Acid and Certain Citrate Salts from Belgium, Colombia, and Thailand (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1374-1376 (Final), USITC Publication 4799, July 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by July 27, 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

Citric Acid And Certain Citrate Salts from Belgium, Colombia, and Thailand
Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1374-1376 (Final)

Product Description:  Citric acid and certain citrate salts, specifically sodium citrate and potassium citrate, are chemical products used in the production and formulation of a wide variety of foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics as well as commercial and household products including detergents, metal cleaners, textile finishing treatments, and other industrial applications.  Citric acid, sodium citrate, and potassium citrate are all normally sold as odorless, translucent crystals available in three granulations:  granular, fine granular, and powder.  Citric acid is also available in solution.  Crude calcium citrate, an intermediate form in the production of citric acid, can be shipped to another facility for further processing into refined citric acid.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Final phase antidumping duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  Archer Daniels Midland Company, Decatur, Illinois; Cargill, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Tate & Lyle Ingredients Americas LLC, Hoffman Estates, Illinois.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Friday, June 2, 2017.
4.   USITC Hearing Date:  Monday, May 14, 2018.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Wednesday, June 20, 2018.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Friday, July 6, 2018.

U.S. Industry in 2017:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  3
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  Iowa, North Carolina, and Ohio.
3.   Production and related workers:  319.
4.   U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments:  $275.9 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:  $113.6 million.
2.   Nonsubject imports:  [1]
3.   Leading import sources:  Canada, Thailand, and Colombia.

 

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

# # #

# # #
June 20, 2018
News Release 18-076
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-921 (Third Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Folding Gift Boxes from China

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on imports of folding gift boxes 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, and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein 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 Folding Gift Boxes from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-921 (Third Review), USITC Publication 4800, July 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.

The report will be available by July 23, 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 Folding Gift Boxes from China was instituted on February 1, 2018.

On May 7, 2018, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review.  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 this review 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.

# # #
June 15, 2018
News Release 18-072
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1103 (Second Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Activated Carbon from China

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on imports of activated carbon 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 Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, 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 Activated Carbon from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-1103 (Second Review), USITC Publication 4797, June 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.

The report will be available by July 18, 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 Activated Carbon from China was instituted on February 1, 2018.

On May 7, 2018, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review.  Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Jason E. Kearns concluded that the domestic group response for this review was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for an expedited review.  Vice Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioner 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 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.

# # #
May 31, 2018
News Release 18-066
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-860 (Third Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Tin- and Chromium-Coated Steel Sheet from Japan

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on imports of tin- and chromium-coated steel sheet 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 Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, 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 Tin- and Chromium-Coated Steel Sheet from Japan (Inv. No. 731-TA-860 (Third Review), USITC Publication 4795, June 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.

The report will be available by July 10, 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 Tin- and Chromium-Coated Steel Sheet from Japan was instituted on May 1, 2017.

On August 4, 2017, the Commission voted to conduct a full review.  Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners 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.

# # #
May 31, 2018
News Release 18-065
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-606 and 731-TA-1416 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations Concerning Quartz Surface Products 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 quartz surface products from China that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, and Jason E. Kearns 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, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about July 11, 2018, and its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about September 24, 2018.

The Commission’s public report Quartz Surface Products from China, Inv. Nos. 701-TA-606 and 731-TA-1416 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4794, June 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after June 29, 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

Quartz Surface Products from China.
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-606 and 731-TA-1416 (Preliminary)

Product Description:  Quartz surface products consist of slabs and other surfaces created from a mixture of materials that includes predominately silica (e.g., quartz, quartz powder, cristobalite) as well as a resin binder (e.g., an unsaturated polyester). The incorporation of other materials, including, but not limited to, pigments, cement, or other additives does not remove the merchandise from the scope of the investigations. In addition to slabs, the scope of these investigations includes, but is not limited to, other surfaces such as countertops, backsplashes, vanity tops, bar tops, work tops, tabletops, flooring, wall facing, shower surrounds, fire place surrounds, mantels, and tiles. Quartz surface products are covered by these investigations whether or not polished, cut, fabricated, cured, edged, finished, thermalformed, packaged, and regardless of the type of surface finish.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Preliminary phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  Cambria Company LLC, Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Tuesday, April 17, 2018.
4.   USITC Conference Date:  Tuesday, May 8, 2018.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Thursday, May 31, 2018.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Friday, June 1, 2018.

U.S. Industry in 2017:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  3.
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  California, Georgia, Indiana, Minnesota, 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 2017:

1.   Subject imports:  $520.7 million.
2.   Nonsubject imports:  $551.7 million.
3.   Leading import sources:  China, Spain, and Israel.


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

 

# # #
May 3, 2018
News Release 18-052
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-487 and 731-TA-1197-1198 (Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determinations in Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Steel Wire Garment Hangers from Taiwan and Vietnam

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty orders on imports of steel wire garment hangers from Taiwan and Vietnam and the existing countervailing duty order on imports of these products from Vietnam 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 these products from Taiwan and Vietnam will remain in place.

Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, 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 Steel Wire Garment Hangers from Taiwan and Vietnam (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-487 and 731-TA-1197-1198 (Review), USITC Publication 4784, May 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.

The report will be available by June 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 Steel Wire Garment Hangers from Taiwan and Vietnam were instituted on November 1, 2017.

On February 5, 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 that the respondent group responses were inadequate and voted for expedited reviews. 

A record of the Commission’s votes 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.

# # #
May 1, 2018
News Release 18-050
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-573-574 and 731-TA-1350-1351, 1354-1355, and 1358 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Carbon and Certain Alloy Steel Wire Rod from Italy, Korea, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom 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 carbon and certain alloy steel wire rod from Italy, Korea, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the governments of Italy and Turkey.

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

As a result of the USITC’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping duty orders on imports of this product from Italy, Korea, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, and countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from Italy and Turkey.

The Commission also made a negative finding concerning critical circumstances with regard to imports of this product from Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.  As a result, imports of carbon and certain alloy steel wire rod from Spain and the United Kingdom will not be subject to retroactive antidumping duties, and imports of this product from Turkey will not be subject to retroactive countervailing duties.

The Commission’s public report Carbon and Certain Alloy Steel Wire Rod from Italy, Korea, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-573-574 and 731-TA-1350-1351, 1354-1355, and 1358 (Final), USITC Publication 4782, April 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by June 1, 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

Carbon and Certain Alloy Steel Wire Rod
from Italy, Korea, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-573-574 and 731-TA-1350, 1351, 1355, and 1358 (Final)

Product Description:  Certain hot-rolled products of carbon steel and alloy steel, in coils, of approximately round cross section, less than 19.00 mm in actual solid cross-sectional diameter. Wire rod is an intermediate good that is primarily used for subsequent drawing and finishing for wire drawers.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Final phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  Charter Steel, Saukville, WI;  Gerdau Ameristeel US Inc., Tampa, FL; Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc., Dallas, TX; Nucor Corporation, Charlotte, NC.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  March 28, 2017.
4.   USITC Hearing Date:  November 16, 2017.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  May 11, 2018.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  May 1, 2018.

U.S. Industry in 2016:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  8.
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin.
3.   Production and related workers:  2,222.
4.   U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments:  $1.8 billion.[1]
5.   Apparent U.S. consumption:  $2.8 billion.1
6.   Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption:  10.5 percent.1

U.S. Imports in 2016:

1.   Subject imports:  $298 million.[2]
2.   From Italy, Korea, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom: $176 million.
3.   From Belarus, Russia, South Africa, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates: $122 million.
4.  Nonsubject imports:  $703 million.
5.   Leading import sources:  Canada, Ukraine, Korea, Spain and Turkey.


[1] Based on total market.

[2] Please note subject imports include Italy, Korea, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom as well as other subject countries (Belarus, Russia, South Africa, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates).

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