Antidumping | United States International Trade Commission

January 19, 2018
News Release 18-012
Inv. No(s). Inv. Nos. 701-TA-442 and 731-TA-1095-1096 (Second Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Makes Determinations in Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Lined Paper School Supplies from China and India

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order imports of lined paper school supplies from China and the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of these products from India 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 China and India will remain in place.

Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Meredith M. Broadbent 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 Lined Paper School Supplies from China and India (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-442 and 731-TA-1095-1096 (Second Review), USITC Publication 4758, February 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.

The report will be available by February 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) reviews concerning Lined Paper School Supplies from China and India were instituted on July 3, 2017.

On October 6, 2017, 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 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.

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January 12, 2018
News Release 18-008
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Votes to Continue Investigations on Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet 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 common alloy aluminum sheet 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 and Meredith M. Broadbent 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, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about February 1, 2018, and its antidumping duty determinations due on or about April 17, 2018.

The Commission’s public report Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-591 and 731-TA-1399 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4757, January 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after February 13, 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

Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet from China
Investigation Nos: 701-TA-591 and 731-TA-1399 (Preliminary)

Product Description: Common alloy aluminum sheet (CAAS) is a thin flat-rolled aluminum product. It has a thickness of 6.3 mm or less, but greater than 0.2 mm, in coils or cut-to-length, regardless of width. CAAS within the scope of these investigations include both not clad and multi-alloy clad aluminum sheet. Not clad aluminum can be produced from a 1XXX, 3XXX, or 5XXX series alloy, while multi-alloy clad CAAS is produced using a 3XXX series alloy core, to which cladding layers are applied to either one or both sides of the core. CAAS in this instance specifically excludes can stock used in the manufacturing of aluminum beverage cans, lids, and tabs for such cans. CAAS is used in applications such as building and construction, electrical, infrastructure, marine, and transportation, among others.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation: Preliminary phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners: Self-initiated by the U.S. Department of Commerce (Washington, D.C.).
3.   USITC Institution Date: Friday, December 01, 2017.
4.   USITC Conference Date: Thursday, December 21, 2017.
5.   USITC Vote Date: Friday, January 12, 2018.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2018.

U.S. Industry in 2016:

1.   Number of U.S. producers: 9.
2.   Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
3.   Production and related workers: 5,472.
4.   U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $2.9 billion.
5.   Apparent U.S. consumption: $5.0 billion.
6.   Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 13.1 percent.

U.S. Imports in 2016:

1.   Subject imports: $656.9 million.
2.   Nonsubject imports: $1.5 billion.
3.   Leading import sources: China, Canada, Bahrain, Germany.

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January 12, 2018
News Release 18-007
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-590 and 731-TA-1397-1398 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Votes to Continue Investigations on Sodium Gluconate, Gluconic Acid, and Derivative Products from China, but not France

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is threatened with material injury by reason of imports of sodium gluconate, gluconic acid, and derivative products from China that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.

The Commission further determined that there is not a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of these imports from France that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Vice Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Meredith M. Broadbent made affirmative threat determinations with respect to China and voted in the negative with respect to France. Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein made affirmative present injury determinations with respect to both China and France.

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 these products from China, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about February 23, 2018, and its antidumping duty determination due on or about May 9, 2018. As a result of the Commission’s negative determination, the investigation with respect to France will end.

The Commission’s public report Sodium Gluconate, Gluconic Acid, and Derivative Products from China and France (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-590 and 731-TA-1397-1398 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4756, January 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after February 13, 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

Sodium Gluconate, Gluconic Acid, and Derivative Products from China and France
Investigation Nos: 701-TA-590 and 731-TA-1397-1398 (Preliminary)

Product Description: Sodium gluconate ("GNA"), gluconic acid ("GA"), and derivative products are primarily produced from corn-based liquid glucose. The products covered in this investigation's scope include GA, GNA, glucono-delta-lactone ("GDL"), liquid gluconate ("LG"), and blends containing 35 percent or more of GNA, GA, LG, and/or GDL by dry weight. GNA and GDL are sold as white powders while GA and LG are sold in liquid form. GNA products have uses in a multitude of industries including concrete and admixtures, food industry, personal care and household products, and in agriculture.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation: Preliminary phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners: PMP Fermentation Products, Inc., Peoria, Illinois.
3.   USITC Institution Date: Thursday, November 30, 2017.
4.   USITC Conference Date: Thursday, December 21, 2017.
5.   USITC Vote Date: Friday, January 12, 2018.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2018.

U.S. Industry in 2016:

1.   Number of U.S. producers: 1.
2.   Location of producers’ plants: Illinois.
3.   Production and related workers: ^{^[1]}
4.   U.S. producer’s 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: $11.8 million.
2.   Nonsubject imports: $2.0 million.
3.   Leading import sources: China, France, Italy.

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

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January 4, 2018
News Release 18-004
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-253 and 731-TA-132, 252, 271, 273, 532-534, and 536 (Fourth Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Circular Welded Pipe and Tube from Brazil, India, Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing countervailing and antidumping duty orders on imports of circular welded pipe and tube from Brazil, India, Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey 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 Brazil, India, Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey will remain in place.

Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Meredith M. Broadbent 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 Circular Welded Pipe and Tube from Brazil, India, Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-253 and 731-TA-132, 252, 271, 273, 532-534, and 536 (Fourth Review), USITC Publication 4754, January 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.

The report will be available by February 8, 2018; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.

BACKGROUND

The five-year (sunset) reviews concerning Circular Welded Pipe and Tube from Brazil, India, Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey were instituted on June 1, 2017.

On September 5, 2017, the Commission voted to conduct expedited reviews. Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioner Irving A. Williamson concluded that the domestic group response for these reviews was adequate and the respondent group responses were inadequate and voted for expedited reviews. Commissioner Meredith M. Broadbent concluded that the domestic group response for these reviews was adequate. With respect to Turkey, she concluded that the respondent group response was adequate and voted to conduct full reviews. With respect to Brazil, India, Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, and Thailand, she concluded that the respondent group responses were inadequate, but to promote administrative efficiency voted to conduct full reviews.

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December 19, 2017
News Release 17-184
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1349, 1352, adn 1357 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

Carbon and Certain Alloy Steel Wire Rod from Belarus, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates 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 Belarus, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value.

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

As a result of the USITC’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping duty orders on imports of this product from Belarus, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates.

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

The Commission’s public report Carbon and Certain Alloy Steel Wire Rod from Belarus, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates. (Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1349, 1352, and 1357 (Final), USITC Publication 4752, January 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by January 24, 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 Belarus, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates
Investigation Nos: 731-TA-1349, 1352, and 1357 (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., Peoria, IL; Nucor Corporation, Charlotte, NC.
3.   USITC Institution Date: March 28, 2017.
4.   USITC Hearing Date: November 16, 2017.
5.   USITC Vote Date: December 19, 2017.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date: January 11, 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.
5.   Apparent U.S. consumption: $2.8 billion.
6.   Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 10.5 percent.^{^[1]}

U.S. Imports in 2016:

Subject imports: $298.2 million.¹
From Belarus, Russia, and United Arab Emirates: $54.4 million.
From Italy, Korea, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom: $243.8 million.
Nonsubject imports: $703.2 million.
Leading import sources: Canada, Ukraine, Korea, Turkey, and Spain.

[1] Subject imports include Belarus, Russia, and the United Emirates as well as other subject countries (Italy, Korea, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, and Ukraine).

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December 5, 2017
News Release 17-177
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-571-572 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

Biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia 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 biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized.

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

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

The Commission’s public report Biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-571-572 (Final), USITC Publication 4748, December 2017) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by January 11, 2018; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Product Description: Biodiesel is a fuel made from many types of vegetable oils, such as soybean oil, palm oil, and canola oil; animal fats; and used cooking oils. It is used most frequently as a substitute for petroleum-based diesel (diesel) in the transportation sector, usually in blends of 2 to 20 percent biodiesel. Biodiesel is also used as a heating fuel (fuel oil), primarily in the northeastern United States.

Status of Proceedings:

1.    Type of investigation: Final phase countervailing duty investigations.
2.    Petitioners: National Biodiesel Board Fair Trade Coalition, Washington, DC, and its individual members.
3.    USITC institution: March 23, 2017.
4.    USITC hearing: November 9, 2017.
5.    USITC vote (countervailing duty): December 5, 2017.
6.    USITC notification to Commerce (countervailing duty): December 21, 2017.

U.S. Industry in 2016:

1.    Number of U.S. producers: 25
2.    Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Texas.
3.    Production and related workers: 1,215.
4.    U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $3.6 billion.
5.    Apparent U.S. consumption: $5.7 billion.
6.    Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 28.4 percent.

U.S. Imports in 2016:

1.    Subject imports: $1.6 billion.
2.    Nonsubject imports: $496.3 million.
3.    Leading import sources: Argentina, Canada, and Indonesia.

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December 1, 2017
News Release 17-176
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-565 and 731-TA-1341 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

Hardwood Plywood from China Injures U.S. Industry, Says USITC

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of hardwood plywood from China 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 government of China.

Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Meredith M. Broadbent 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 a negative finding concerning critical circumstances with regard to imports of this product. As a result, imports of hardwood plywood from China will not be subject to retroactive antidumping or countervailing duties.

The Commission’s public report Hardwood Plywood from China (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-565 and 731-TA-1341 (Final), USITC Publication 4747, December 2017) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by January 10, 2018; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Product Description: Hardwood plywood is a wood panel product made from gluing two or more layers of wood veneer to a core which may itself be composed of veneers or other type of wood material. The outer ply or face veneer is typically the identifying species for the hardwood plywood product and is the side of the product that will be visible in most uses. A wide variety of hardwood species is used in hardwood plywood manufacturing including oak, birch, maple, poplar, cherry, and tropical varieties.

Status of Proceedings:

1.    Type of investigation: Final phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2.    Petitioners: Columbia Forest Products, Greensboro, NC; Commonwealth Plywood Inc., Whitehall, NY; Murphy Plywood Co., Eugene, OR; Roseburg Forest Products Co., Roseburg, OR; States Industries, Inc., Eugene, OR; and Timber Products Company, Springfield, OR.
3.    USITC Institution Date: Friday, November 18, 2016.
4.    USITC Hearing Date: Thursday, October 26, 2017.
5.    USITC Vote Date: Friday, December 01, 2017.
6.    USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Wednesday, December 20, 2017.

U.S. Industry in 2016:

1.    Number of U.S. producers: 9
2.    Location of producers’ plants: Arkansas, Indiana, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia.
3.    Production and related workers: 2,294.
4.    U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $790.9 million.
5.    Apparent U.S. consumption: $2.0 billion.
6.    Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 35.3 percent.

U.S. Imports in 2016:

1.    Subject imports: $715.7 million.
2.    Nonsubject imports: $518.7 million.
3.    Leading import sources: China, Indonesia, Russia, Malaysia, and Ecuador (in terms of total value).

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November 9, 2017
News Release 17-164
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-588 and 731-TA-1392-1393 (Preliminary)
Contact: Lyn Schlitt, 202-205-3141

USITC Votes to Continue Investigations Concerning Polytetrafluoroethylene Resin from China and India

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 polytetrafluoroethylene resin from China and India that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the government of India.

Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Meredith M. Broadbent 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, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about December 22, 2017, and its antidumping duty determinations due on or about March 7, 2017.

The Commission’s public report Polytetrafluoroethylene Resin from China and India (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-588 and 731-TA-1392-1393 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4741, November 2017) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after December 11, 2017; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.

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November 8, 2017
News Release 17-161
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1387-1391 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Votes to Continue Investigations Concerning Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Resin from Brazil, Indonesia, Korea, Pakistan, 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 polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin from Brazil, Indonesia, Korea, Pakistan, and Taiwan that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.

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

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue with its antidumping duty investigations, with its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about March 5, 2017.

The Commission’s public report Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Resin from Brazil, Indonesia, Korea, Pakistan, and Taiwan (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1387-1391 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4740, November 2017) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after December 11, 2017; 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

Certain Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Resin from Brazil, Indonesia, Korea, Pakistan, and Taiwan
Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1387-1391 (Preliminary)

Product Description: PET resin is a large‐volume, commodity‐grade thermoplastic polyester polymer that is primarily sold in bulk form as chips or pellets to downstream end users/converters. Converters use PET resin to manufacture bottles and other sterile containers that house liquid and solid products for human consumption or contact. Articles manufactured with PET resin are clear, transparent, sterile, lightweight, and thermally stable. The PET resin covered in these investigations has an intrinsic viscosity of at least 0.70, but not more than 0.88, deciliters per gram. Included are blends of virgin PET resin and recycled PET resin containing 50 percent or more virgin PET resin content by weight, provided such blends meet the intrinsic viscosity requirements above. The products covered include all PET resin meeting the above specifications regardless of additives introduced in the manufacturing process. Major end‐use applications for bottle grade PET resin include carbonated soft drink bottles, water bottles, and other containers such as for juices, peanut butter, jams and jellies, salad dressings, cooking oils, household cleaners, and cosmetics.

Status of Proceedings:

Type of investigations: Preliminary antidumping duty.
Petitioners: DAK Americas, LLC, Charlotte, NC; M&G Chemicals, Houston, TX; Indorama Ventures USA, Inc., Decatur, Alabama; and Nan Ya Plastics Corporation, America, Lake City, SC.
Investigations instituted by USITC: September 26, 2017.
USITC conference: October 17, 2017.
USITC vote: November 8, 2017.
USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: November 20, 2017.

U.S. Industry:

Number of U.S. producers in 2016: 4.
Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Texas.
Employment of production-related workers in 2016: 886.
U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments in 2016: 5.5 million pounds
Apparent U.S. consumption in 2016: [1]
Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption in 2016: ¹

U.S. Imports in 2016:

From the subject countries during 2016: ¹
From other countries during 2016: ¹
Leading sources during 2016: Mexico, Taiwan, and Canada (in terms of total value).

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

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October 16, 2017
Bulletin 17-065
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-450 and 731-TA-1188 (Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Makes Determinations in Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning High Pressure Steel Cylinders from China

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of high pressure steel cylinders 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 these products from China will remain in place.

Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Meredith M. Broadbent 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 High Pressure Steel Cylinders from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-450 and 731-TA-1188 (Review), USITC Publication 4738, October 2017) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.

The report will be available by November 21, 2017; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.

BACKGROUND

The five-year (sunset) reviews concerning High Pressure Steel Cylinders from China were instituted on May 1, 2017.

On August 4, 2017, 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 this review was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for expedited reviews.

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