Antidumping
Emulsion Styrene-Butadiene Rubber from Brazil, Korea, Mexico, and Poland 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 emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber from Brazil, Korea, Mexico, and Poland 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 and Commissioner Irving A. Williamson voted in the affirmative. Vice Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioner Meredith M. Broadbent voted in the negative.
As a result of the USITC’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping duty orders on imports of this product from Brazil, Korea, Mexico, and Poland.
The Commission also made a negative finding concerning critical circumstances with regard to imports of this product from Korea. As a result, goods sold at less than fair value that entered the United States from Korea prior to February 24, 2017 (date of Commerce’s affirmative preliminary determination), will not be subject to retroactive antidumping duties.
The Commission’s public report Emulsion Styrene-Butadiene Rubber from Brazil, Korea, Mexico, and Poland (Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1334-1337 (Final), USITC Publication 4717, August 2017) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by September 13, 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
Emulsion Styrene-Butadiene Rubber from Brazil, Korea, Mexico, and Poland
Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1334-1337 (Final)
Product Description: Emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber (“ESBR”) is a solid form of synthetic rubber copolymer product of styrene and butadiene with a "normal" level of 23.5 percent styrene. ESBR is produced by a cold aqueous emulsion process at 41-55 degrees Fahrenheit, and finished either as a dry 1500 series, or a 1700 series of oil-modified product grade, each having a crumb-like texture commonly pressed into salable bales of up to about 80 pounds. The 1500 series is categorized by the IISRP trade association as a "neat" or pure form of ESBR, while the 1700 series contains petroleum-based extender oil (some 23 to 30 percent) as a homogenized component of the rubber particle. Some 70 percent of ESBR is typically consumed, e.g., in the downstream manufacture of replacement passenger car and light truck tires and truck tire retread compounds, while miscellaneous applications range from conveyor belts to flooring and shoe soles. The scope excludes the 1000 and 1900 series "hot-process" and "high-Styrene" forms of ESBR rubbers, the 1600 and 1800 "black masterbatches," and latex.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final phase antidumping duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: Lion Elastomers, LLC ("Lion"), Port Neches, Texas, and East West Copolymer, LLC ("East West"), Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
3. USITC Institution Date: Thursday, July 21, 2016.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Thursday, June 29, 2017.
5. USITC Vote Date: Thursday, August 03, 2017.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce: Wednesday, August 23, 2017.
U.S. Industry in 2016:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 3.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Louisiana 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 2016:
1. Subject imports: 1
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: Brazil, Mexico, Korea, and Germany (in terms of value).
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
Finished Carbon Steel Flanges from India and Italy 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 finished carbon steel flanges from Italy and India 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.
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 a countervailing duty order on imports of these products from India and antidumping duty orders on imports of these products from India and Italy.
The Commission’s public report Finished Carbon Steel Flanges from India and Italy (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-563 and 731-TA-1331-1332 (Final), USITC Publication 4714, August 2017) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by September 5, 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
Finished Carbon Steel Flanges from India and Italy
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-563 and 731-TA-1331-1332 (Final)
Product Description: A flange is a product for connecting pipes, valves, pumps and other equipment to form a piping system. It also provides easy access for cleaning, inspection or modification. Flanges are usually welded or screwed to the pipes or other equipment requiring a connection and flanges are joined to each other by bolting. Finished carbon steel flanges are those which have undergone further processing after forging, which can include beveling, boring, machining, drilling bolt holes, and other processes. Any one of these post-forging processes suffices to render the forging into a finished carbon steel flange. However, heat treatment alone of a carbon steel flange forging does not constitute finishing. Finished carbon steel flanges are generally manufactured to specification ASME B16.5 or ASME B16.47 series A or series B. All types of finished carbon steel flanges are included in the investigations, regardless of size, pressure class rating, type of face, configuration (e.g., weld neck, slip on, socket weld, lap joint, threaded, etc.), wall thickness, and normalization or heat treatment. These carbon steel flanges either meet or exceed the requirements of the ASTM A105, ASTM A694, ASTM A181, ASTM A350 and ASTM A707 standards (or comparable foreign specifications).
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final phase antidumping and countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: Boltex Mfg. Co., L.P., Houston, TX; Weldbend Corporation, Argo, IL.
3. USITC Institution Date: Thursday, June 30, 2016.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Tuesday, April 25, 2017.
5. USITC Vote Date: Thursday, July 27, 2017.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Monday, August 14, 2017.
U.S. Industry in 2016:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 10.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
3. Employment of production and related workers: 421.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $117.3 million.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: $253.3 million.
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 37.4 percent.
U.S. Imports in 2016:
1. Subject imports: $94.7 million (India, Italy, and Spain).
2. Nonsubject imports: $41.3 million.
3. Leading import sources: India, Italy, China, and Spain (in terms of total value).
USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Cased Pencils from China
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on imports of cased pencils 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 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 this five-year (sunset) review.
The Commission’s public report Cased Pencils from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-669 (Fourth Review), USITC Publication 4715, August 2017) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.
The report will be available by September 5, 2017; 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 Cased Pencils from China was instituted on June 1, 2016.
On September 6, 2016, the Commission voted to conduct a full review. Vice Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Meredith M. Broadbent and F. Scott Kieff concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate, but that circumstances warranted a full review. Chairman Irving A. Williamson and Commissioners Dean A. Pinkert and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for an expedited review.
A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct a full review is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.
Dioctyl Terephthalate (DOTP) from Korea 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 dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP) from Korea 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 and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Meredith M. Broadbent voted in the affirmative. Vice Chairman David S. Johanson voted in the negative.
As a result of the USITC’s affirmative determination, Commerce will issue an antidumping duty order on imports of this product from Korea.
The Commission’s public report Dioctyl Terephthalate (DOTP) from Korea (Investigation No. 731-TA-1330 (Final), USITC Publication 4713, August 2017) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.
The report will be available by August 23, 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
Dioctyl Terephthalate (DOTP) from Korea
Investigation No. 731-TA-1330 (Final)
Product Description: Dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP) is a colorless, almost odorless, slightly viscous liquid that is used to make resins more flexible and easier to process as plastics. It is a synthetic organic chemical and part of a group of chemical products, known as plasticizers, that perform this role in the manufacturing of plastics. DOTP is used in the manufacture of toys, flooring, hoses, flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC), adhesives, sealants, and wire and cable coatings.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final phase antidumping duty investigation
2. Petitioners: Eastman Chemical Company, Kingsport, TN
3. USITC Institution Date: Thursday, June 30, 2016.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Tuesday, June 13, 2017.
5. USITC Vote Date: Thursday, July 20, 2017.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Wednesday, August 9, 2017.
U.S. Industry in 2016:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 1.
2. Location of producers’ plants: 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 2016:
1. Subject imports: 1
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: Korea, China, and Mexico.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations on Citric Acid and Certain Citrate Salts from Belgium, Colombia, 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 citric acid and certain citrate salts from Belgium, Colombia, and Thailand that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the government of Thailand.
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 to conduct its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on imports of these products from Belgium, Colombia, and Thailand, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about August 28, 2017, and its antidumping duty determinations due on or about November 9, 2017.
The Commission’s public report Citric Acid and Certain Citrate Salts from Belgium, Colombia, and Thailand (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-581 and 731-TA-1374-1375 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4710, July 2017) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after August 14, 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
Citric Acid and Certain Citrate Salts from Belgium, Colombia, and Thailand
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-581 and 731-TA-1374-1376 (Preliminary)
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 (“CCC”) is an intermediate form in the production of citric acid via the lime/sulfuric acid process. CCC can be shipped to another facility for further processing into refined citric acid.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioners: Archer Daniels Midland Co., Decatur, IL; Cargill, Inc., Minneapolis, MN; and Tate & Lyle Ingredients Americas LLC, Hoffman Estates, IL.
3. Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC: June 2, 2017.
4. Commission’s conference: June 23, 2017.
5. USITC vote: July 14, 2017.
6. USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce: July 17, 2017.
7. USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: July 24, 2017.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of producers in 2016: Three.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Iowa, North Carolina, and Ohio.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2016: 322.
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2016: [1]
5. Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2016: 1
U.S. Imports:
1. From the subject countries during 2016: $97.5 million.
2. From other countries during 2016: 1
3. Leading sources during 2016: Canada, Thailand, Colombia, and Belgium (in terms of total value).
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations on Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber from China, India, Korea, and Taiwan
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of fine denier polyester staple fiber from China, India, Korea, and Taiwan that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the governments of China and 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 to conduct its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on imports of this product from China, India, Korea, and Taiwan, with its preliminary countervailing duty determinations due on or about August 24, 2017, and its antidumping duty determinations due on or about November 7, 2017.
The Commission’s public report Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber from China, India, Korea, and Taiwan (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-579-580 and 731-TA-1369-1372 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4709, July 2017) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after August 14, 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
Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber from China, India, Korea, and Taiwan
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-579-580 and 731-TA-1369-1172 (Preliminary)
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 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 investigations: Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioners: DAK Americas LLC, Charlotte, NC; Nan Ya Plastics Corporation, America, Lake City, SC; and Auriga Polymers Inc., Charlotte NC.
3. Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC: May 31, 2017.
4. Commission’s conference: June 21, 2017.
5. USITC vote: July 14, 2017.
6. USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce: July 17, 2017.
7. USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: July 24, 2017.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of producers in 2016: Five.
2. Location of producers’ plants: North Carolina, South Carolina.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2016: [1]
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2016: 623.2 million pounds.
5. Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2016: 1
U.S. Imports:
1. From the subject countries during 2016: 1
2. From other countries during 2016: 1
3. Leading sources during 2016: China, India, Korea, and Taiwan (in terms of total value).
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Furfuryl Alcohol from China
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on imports of furfuryl alcohol 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 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 this five-year (sunset) review.
The Commission’s public report Furfuryl Alcohol from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-703 (Fourth Review), USITC Publication 4708, July 2017) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.
The report will be available by August 18, 2017; 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 Furfuryl Alcohol from China was instituted on January 3, 2017.
On April 10, 2017, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review. Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, and F. Scott Kieff 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 concluded that the domestic group response for this review was adequate and that the respondent group response was inadequate, but that circumstances warranted 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.
USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Light-Walled Rectangular Pipe and Tube from Taiwan
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on imports of light-walled rectangular pipe and tube from 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 determination, the existing antidumping duty order on imports of this product from Taiwan 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 this five-year (sunset) review.
The Commission’s public report Light-Walled Rectangular Pipe and Tube from Taiwan (Inv. No. 731-TA-410 (Fourth Review), USITC Publication 4707, July 2017) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.
The report will be available by August 15, 2017; 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 Light-Walled Rectangular Pipe and Tube from Taiwan was instituted on January 3, 2017.
On April 10, 2017, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review. Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, and F. Scott Kieff concluded that the domestic group response for this review was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for an expedited review.
A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct an expedited review is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.
Steel Concrete Reinforcing Bar from Japan and Turkey 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 steel concrete reinforcing bar from Japan and Turkey 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 Turkey.
Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, and F. Scott Kieff 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 Japan and Turkey and a countervailing duty order on imports of this product from Turkey.
The Commission’s public report Steel Concrete Reinforcing Bar from Japan and Turkey (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-564 and 731-TA-1338 and 1340 (Final), USITC Publication 4705, June 2017) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by July 21, 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
Steel Concrete Reinforcing Bar from Japan and Turkey
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-564 and 731-TA-1338 and 1340 (Final)
Product Description: The merchandise subject to these investigations is steel concrete reinforcing bar (rebar) imported in either straight length or coil form regardless of metallurgy, length, diameter, or grade or lack thereof. Subject merchandise includes deformed steel wire with bar markings (e.g., mill mark, size, or grade) and which has been subjected to an elongation test. The subject merchandise includes rebar that has been further processed in the subject country or a third country, including but not limited to cutting, grinding, galvanizing, painting, coating, or any other processing that would not otherwise remove the merchandise from the scope of the investigations if performed in the country of manufacture of the rebar. Rebar is commonly used in construction applications to provide strength to concrete.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Final antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioners: Rebar Trade Action Coalition and its individual members: Byer Steel Group, Inc., Cincinnati, OH; Commercial Metals Company, Irving, TX; Gerdau Ameristeel U.S. Inc., Tampa, FL; Nucor Corp., Charlotte, NC; and Steel Dynamics, Inc., Pittsboro, IN.
3. Investigations instituted by USITC: September 20, 2016.
4. USITC hearing: May 18, 2017.
5. USITC vote: June 16, 2017.
6. USITC notification of Department of Commerce: June 30, 2017.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of U.S. producers in 2016: 10.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2016: 4,085.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments in 2016: 6.7 million short tons.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2016: 8.8 million short tons.
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption in 2016: 21.6 percent.
U.S. Imports:
1. From the subject countries during 2016: $700.7 million.
2. From other countries during 2016: $79 million.
3. Leading sources during 2016: Turkey, Japan, and Taiwan (in terms of total value).
USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Gray Portland Cement and Cement Clinker from Japan
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on imports of gray portland cement and cement clinker 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 F. Scott Kieff 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 Gray Portland Cement and Cement Clinker from Japan (Inv. No. 731-TA-461 (Fourth Review), USITC Publication 4704, June 2017) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.
The report will be available by July 20, 2017; 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 Gray Portland Cement and Cement Clinker from Japan was instituted on November 1, 2016.
On February 6, 2017, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review. Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and F. Scott Kieff 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 the domestic group response for this review was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate, but that circumstances warranted 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.