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News Release 22-017
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-771-772, and 775
Contact: Jennifer Andberg, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty orders on imports of stainless steel wire rod from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan 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 orders on imports of this product from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan will remain in place.
Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.
Today’s action comes under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. See the attached page for background on these five-year (sunset) reviews.
The Commission’s public report Stainless Steel Wire Rod from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-771-772, and 775 (Fourth Review), USITC Publication 5279, February 2022) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.
The report will be available by March 3, 2022; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
BACKGROUND
The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time.
The Commission’s institution notice in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file responses with the Commission concerning the likely effects of revoking the order under review as well as other information. Generally within 95 days from institution, the Commission will determine whether the responses it has received reflect an adequate or inadequate level of interest in a full review. If responses to the USITC’s notice of institution are adequate, or if other circumstances warrant a full review, the Commission conducts a full review, which includes a public hearing and issuance of questionnaires.
The Commission generally does not hold a hearing or conduct further investigative activities in expedited reviews. Commissioners base their injury determination in expedited reviews on the facts available, including the Commission’s prior injury and review determinations, responses received to its notice of institution, data collected by staff in connection with the review, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.
The five-year (sunset) review concerning Stainless Steel Wire Rod from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan was instituted on July 1, 2021.
On October 4, 2021, the Commission voted to conduct expedited reviews. Commissioners Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group responses were inadequate and voted for expedited reviews.
A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct expedited reviews is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.
News Release 22-011
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1279
Contact: Jennifer Andberg, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on imports of hydrofluorocarbon blends 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 order on imports of this product from China will remain in place.
Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.
Today’s action comes under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. See the attached page for background on these five-year (sunset) reviews.
The Commission’s public report Hydrofluorocarbon Blends from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-1279 (First Review), USITC Publication 5278, February 2022) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.
The report will be available by February 28, 2022; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
BACKGROUND
The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time.
The Commission’s institution notice in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file responses with the Commission concerning the likely effects of revoking the order under review as well as other information. Generally within 95 days from institution, the Commission will determine whether the responses it has received reflect an adequate or inadequate level of interest in a full review. If responses to the USITC’s notice of institution are adequate, or if other circumstances warrant a full review, the Commission conducts a full review, which includes a public hearing and issuance of questionnaires.
The Commission generally does not hold a hearing or conduct further investigative activities in expedited reviews. Commissioners base their injury determination in expedited reviews on the facts available, including the Commission’s prior injury and review determinations, responses received to its notice of institution, data collected by staff in connection with the review, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.
The five-year (sunset) review concerning Hydrofluorocarbon blends from China was instituted on July 1, 2021.
On October 4, 2021, the Commission voted to conduct expedited reviews. Commissioners Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group responses were inadequate and voted for expedited reviews.
A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct expedited reviews is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.
News Release 22-009
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-308-310, and 520-521
Contact: Jennifer Andberg, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty orders on imports of carbon steel butt-weld pipe fittings from Brazil, China, Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the existing orders on imports of this product from Brazil, China, Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand will remain in place.
Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.
Today’s action comes under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. See the attached page for background on these five-year (sunset) reviews.
The Commission’s public report Carbon Steel Butt-Weld Pipe Fittings from Brazil, China, Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-308-310, and 520-521 (Fifth Review), USITC Publication 5276, February 2022) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.
The report will be available by February 23, 2022; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
BACKGROUND
The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time.
The Commission’s institution notice in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file responses with the Commission concerning the likely effects of revoking the order under review as well as other information. Generally within 95 days from institution, the Commission will determine whether the responses it has received reflect an adequate or inadequate level of interest in a full review. If responses to the USITC’s notice of institution are adequate, or if other circumstances warrant a full review, the Commission conducts a full review, which includes a public hearing and issuance of questionnaires.
The Commission generally does not hold a hearing or conduct further investigative activities in expedited reviews. Commissioners base their injury determination in expedited reviews on the facts available, including the Commission’s prior injury and review determinations, responses received to its notice of institution, data collected by staff in connection with the review, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.
The five-year (sunset) reviews concerning Carbon Steel Butt-Weld Pipe Fittings from Brazil, China, Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand were instituted on July 1, 2021.
On October 4, 2021, the Commission voted to conduct expedited reviews. Commissioners Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group responses were inadequate and voted for expedited reviews. Commissioner David S. Johanson concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group responses wereas inadequate and voted for full reviews.
A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct expedited reviews is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.
News Release 21-139
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1575-1577
Contact: Office of Public Affairs, 202-205-1819
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 emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber from Czechia, Italy, and Russia that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Chair Jason E. Kearns, Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative. Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin did not participate in these investigations.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue its investigations of imports of emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber from Czechia, Italy, and Russia, with its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about April 25, 2022.
The Commission’s public report Emulsion Styrene-Butadiene Rubber from Czechia, Italy, and Russia (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1575-1577 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5274, January 2022) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after January 28, 2022; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Emulsion Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (ESBR) from Czechia, Italy, and Russia
Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1575-1577 (Preliminary)
Product Description: Emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber ("ESBR") elastomers are large volume synthetic rubber copolymer derivatives of the petrochemical feedstocks styrene and butadiene produced by cold emulsion polymerization at 41-55 degrees Fahrenheit and typically compressed into salable rectangular bales of 80 pounds, but also sold in granules, crumbs, pellets, powders, plates, sheets, strip, etc. Scope products resulting from the production process consist of the 1500 and 1700 series grades of ESBR synthetic rubber elastomers defined by the International Institute of Synthetic Rubber Producers (IISRP). The 1500 series products are light-colored solid grades of ESBR popularly sold for tire and other applications, while the 1700 series products contain petroleum extender oil, darker in color but more easily processed and typically used for specialty compounding in tire manufacture and other applications. Some 70 percent or more of ESBR is used in tire tread compound formulations designed for new passenger vehicle and light truck replacement tires and heavier truck tire retreads, where its superior durability and extended tire wear characteristics excel. ESBR is also employed in a large variety of other applications including conveyor belting, hoses, other mechanical goods, and footwear. Scope exclusions include IISRP carbon black master batch 1600 and 1800 series, high styrene resin master batch 1900 series, and latex intermediate products.
Status of Proceedings:
- Type of investigation: Preliminary antidumping duty investigations.
- Petitioner: Lion Elastomers LLC, Port Neches, Texas.
- USITC Effective Institution Date: Monday, November 15, 2021.
- USITC Conference Date: Monday, December 6, 2021.
- USITC Vote Date: Wednesday, December 29, 2021.
- USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Thursday, December 30, 2021.
U.S. Industry in 2020:
- Number of U.S. producers: 2.
- Location of producers’ plants: Texas.
- Production and related workers: [1]
- U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: 1
- Apparent U.S. consumption: 1
- Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 1
U.S. Imports in 2020:
- Subject imports: 1
- Nonsubject imports: 1
- Leading import sources: Russia, Taiwan, and Mexico (by volume).
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 21-137
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1574 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
he 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 superabsorbent polymers from South Korea that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determination, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue its investigation of imports of superabsorbent polymers from South Korea, with its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about April 11, 2022.
The Commission’s public report Superabsorbent Polymers from South Korea (Inv. No. 731-TA-1574 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5273, December 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.
The report will be available after January 18, 2022; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Superabsorbent Polymers from South Korea
Investigation No. 731-TA-1574 (Preliminary)
Product Description: The merchandise covered by this investigation is superabsorbent polymers (SAP), which is cross-linked sodium polyacrylate most commonly conforming to Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) registry number 9003-04-7, where at least 90 percent of the dry matter, by weight on a nominal basis, corrected for moisture content, is comprised of a polymer with a chemical formula of (C3H3O2NaxH1-x)n, where x is within a range of 0.00-1.00 and there is no limit to n. The subject merchandise also includes merchandise with a chemical formula of {(C2H3)COONayH(1-y)}n, where y is within a range of 0.00-1.00 and there is no limit to n. The subject merchandise includes SAP which is fully neutralized as well as SAP that is not fully neutralized. The subject merchandise may also conform to other CAS numbers. All forms and sizes of SAP, regardless of packaging type, including but not limited to granules, pellets, powder, fibers, flakes, liquid, or gel are within this investigation. It also includes SAP whether or not it incorporates additives for anticaking, anti-odor, anti-yellowing, or similar functions. The investigation also includes SAP that is combined, commingled, or mixed with other products after final sieving. For such combined products, only the SAP component is covered in this investigation.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary antidumping duty investigation.
2. Petitioners: Ad Hoc Coalition of American SAP Producers, whose members include BASF Corporation, Florham Park, NJ; Evonik Superabsorber LLC, Greensboro, NC; and Nippon Shokubai America Industries, Inc., Pasadena, TX.
3. USITC Institution Date: Tuesday, November 2, 2021.
4. USITC Conference Date: Tuesday, November 23, 2021.
5. USITC Vote Date: Wednesday, December 15, 2021.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Friday, December 17, 2021.
U.S. Industry in 2020:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 3.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Louisiana, North Carolina, and Texas.
3. Production and related workers: 368.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $462 million.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: 1
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 1
U.S. Imports in 2020:
1. Subject imports: [1]
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: South Korea, the European Union, and Japan.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 21-133
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-671-672 and 731-TA-1571-1573 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
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 oil country tubular goods from Argentina, Mexico, and Russia that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and imports of these products that are allegedly subsidized by the governments of Russia and South Korea.
Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue its investigations of imports of oil country tubular goods from Argentina, Mexico, Russia, and South Korea, with its preliminary countervailing duty determinations due on or about December 30, 2021, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about March 15, 2022.
The Commission’s public report Oil Country Tubular Goods from Argentina, Mexico, Russia, and South Korea (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-671-672 and 731-TA-1571-1573 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5248, November 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after December 21, 2021; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) from Argentina, Mexico, Russia, and South Korea
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-671-672 and 731-TA-1571-1573 (Preliminary)
Product Description: The merchandise covered by the investigations is certain oil country tubular goods (OCTG), which are hollow steel products of circular cross-section, including oil well casing and tubing, of iron (other than cast iron) or steel (both carbon and alloy), whether seamless or welded, regardless of end finish ( e.g., whether or not plain end, threaded, or threaded and coupled) whether or not conforming to American Petroleum Institute (API) or non-API specifications, whether finished (including limited service OCTG products) or unfinished (including green tubes and limited service OCTG products), whether or not thread protectors are attached. The scope of the investigations also covers OCTG coupling stock.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary countervailing duty and antidumping duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: Borusan Mannesmann Pipe U.S., Inc., Baytown, TX; PTC Liberty Tubulars LLC, Liberty, TX; U.S. Steel Tubular Products, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA; Welded Tube USA, Inc., Lackawanna, NY; and the United States Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union, AFL-CIO, CLC, Pittsburgh, PA.
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, October 6, 2021.
4. USITC Conference Date: Wednesday, October 27, 2021.
5. USITC Vote Date: Friday, November 19, 2021.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Monday, November 22, 2021.
U.S. Industry in 2020:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 17.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
3. Production and related workers: 4,681.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $2.1 billion.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: $3.1 billion.
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption by value: 15.8 percent.
U.S. Imports in 2020:
1. Subject imports: $493 million.
2. Nonsubject imports: $556 million.
3. Leading import sources: Argentina, Austria, Canada, Mexico, Russia, South Korea, and Taiwan.
News Release 21-132
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-660 and 731-TA-1543-1544 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of utility scale wind towers from India and Malaysia 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 India.
Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue a countervailing duty order on imports of this product from India and antidumping duty orders on imports of this product from India and Malaysia.
The Commission’s public report Utility Scale Wind Towers from India and Malaysia (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-660 and 731-TA-1543-1544 (Final), USITC Publication 5247, November 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.
The report will be available by December 20, 2021; 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
Utility Scale Wind Towers from India and Malaysia
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-660 and 731-TA-1543-1544 (Final)
Product Description: Wind towers, whether or not tapered, and sections thereof, designed to support the nacelle and rotor blades in a wind turbine with a minimum rated electrical power generation capacity in excess of 100 kilowatts and with a minimum height of 50 meters (164 feet) measured from the base of the tower to the bottom of the nacelle when fully assembled. A wind tower section consists of, at a minimum, multiple steel plates rolled into cylindrical or conical shapes and welded together (or otherwise attached) to form a steel shell, regardless of coating, end-finish, painting, treatment, or method of manufacture, and with or without flanges, doors, or internal or external components attached to the wind tower section. Several wind tower sections are normally required to form a completed wind tower. Specifically excluded from the scope are: (1) nacelles and rotor blades, regardless of whether they are attached to the wind tower; and, (2) any internal or external components which are not attached to the wind towers or sections thereof, unless those components are shipped with the tower sections.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Final countervailing duty and antidumping investigations.
2. Petitioners: Arcosa Wind Towers Inc., Dallas, TX; Broadwind Towers, Inc., Manitowoc, WI.
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2020.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Thursday, June 10, 2021.[1]
5. USITC Vote Date: Tuesday, November 16, 2021.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Monday, November 29, 2021.
U.S. Industry in 2020:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 6.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin.
3. Production and related workers: 2,205.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $955 million.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: $1.8 billion.
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 2
U.S. Imports in 2020:
1. Subject imports: [2]
2. Nonsubject imports: 2
3. Leading import sources: Malaysia, India, and Spain.
[1] The hearing was cancelled. For more information, please see 86 FR 31730.
[2] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 21-131
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1550-1553 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of polyester textured yarn from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping duty orders on imports of this product from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The Commission’s public report Polyester Textured Yarn from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1550-1553 (Final), USITC Publication 5246, December 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by December 28, 2021; 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
Polyester Textured Yarn from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam
Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1550-1553 (Final)
Product Description: Polyester textured yarn is synthetic multifilament yarn that is manufactured from polyester (polyethylene terephthalate) and produced through a texturing process, which imparts special properties to the filaments of the yarn, including stretch, bulk, strength, moisture absorption, insulation, and the appearance of a natural fiber.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final antidumping duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: Nan Ya Plastics Corp. America, Lake City, SC; Unifi Manufacturing, Inc., Greensboro, NC.
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2020.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Thursday, October 14, 2021.
5. USITC Vote Date: Tuesday, November 16, 2021.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Tuesday, December 7, 2021.
U.S. Industry in 2020:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 6.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
3. Production and related workers: 965.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $213 million.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: $334 million.
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 15 percent.
U.S. Imports in 2020:
1. Subject imports: $50 million.
2. Nonsubject imports: $71 million.
3. Leading import sources: Mexico, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia.
News Release 21-130
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-670 and 731-TA-1570 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
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 freight rail coupler systems and components from China that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue its investigations of imports of freight rail coupler systems and components from China, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about December 23, 2021, and its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about March 8, 2022.
The Commission’s public report Freight Rail Coupler Systems and Components from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-670 and 731-TA-1570 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5243, November 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after December 13, 2021; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Freight Rail Coupler Systems and Components from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-670 and 731-TA-1570 (Preliminary)
Product Description: Freight rail coupler systems and components (“FRC”) are metal structures used to connect freight rail cars together. FRC are comprised of a system of four main metal components: knuckles, coupler bodies, coupler yokes, and follower blocks. Knuckles are typically metal castings in the shape of a hook that pivot on a vertical hinge between a "locked" and an "unlocked" position to allow for interlocking with knuckles of adjacent FRC. Coupler bodies are a metal casting that hold the knuckle and allow it to pivot. The coupler body fits within the coupler yoke, which is a metal casting that attaches the FRC to a freight car. The follower block is a rectangular piece of metal that separates the FRC with the adjacent draft gear of a freight car (designed to absorb some of the forces when connecting freight rail cars). FRC are designed to connect two freight cars together by automatically interlocking the knuckles of both FRC when the freight cars are pushed together.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Preliminary countervailing duty and antidumping duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: McConway and Torley, LLC, Pittsburgh, PA; United Steel, Paper & Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union, Pittsburgh, PA.
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, September 29, 2021.
4. USITC Conference Date: Wednesday, October 20, 2021.
5. USITC Vote Date: Friday, November 12, 2021.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Monday, November 15, 2021.
U.S. Industry in 2020:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 3.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Illinois, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
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 2020:
1. Subject imports: 1
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: China and Mexico.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 21-127
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-125 (Fifth Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on imports of potassium permanganate 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 order on imports of this product from China will remain in place.
Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.
Today’s action comes under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. See the attached page for background on this five-year (sunset) review.
The Commission’s public report Potassium Permanganate from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-125 (Fifth Review), USITC Publication 5241, November 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.
The report will be available by December 21, 2021; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
BACKGROUND
The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time.
The Commission’s institution notice in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file responses with the Commission concerning the likely effects of revoking the order under review as well as other information. Generally within 95 days from institution, the Commission will determine whether the responses it has received reflect an adequate or inadequate level of interest in a full review. If responses to the USITC’s notice of institution are adequate, or if other circumstances warrant a full review, the Commission conducts a full review, which includes a public hearing and issuance of questionnaires.
The Commission generally does not hold a hearing or conduct further investigative activities in expedited reviews. Commissioners base their injury determination in expedited reviews on the facts available, including the Commission’s prior injury and review determinations, responses received to its notice of institution, data collected by staff in connection with the review, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.
The five-year (sunset) review concerning Potassium Permanganate from China was instituted on February 1, 2021.
On May 7, 2021, the Commission voted to conduct a full review. Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel concluded that both the domestic and the respondent group responses were adequate and voted for a full review.
A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct a full review is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.