Antidumping | United States International Trade Commission

June 24, 2016
News Release 16-078
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-534-537 and 731-TA-1274-1278 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

Corrosion-Resistant Steel Products from China, India, Italy, Korea, and Taiwan Injure U.S. Industry, Says USITC

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of corrosion-resistant steel products from China, India, Italy, Korea, and Taiwan that the U.S. Department of Commerce has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the governments of China, India, Italy, and Korea.

All six Commissioners 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 China, India, Italy, and Korea and antidumping duty orders on imports of these products from China, India, Italy, Korea, and Taiwan.

The Commission also made negative findings with respect to critical circumstances with regard to imports of these products from China, Italy, Korea, and Taiwan. As a result, goods that entered the United States from China, Italy, and Korea prior to November 6, 2015, will not be subject to retroactive countervailing duties, and goods that entered the United States from China, Italy, Korea, and Taiwan prior to January 4, 2016, will not be subject to retroactive antidumping duties (dates are the dates of the Department of Commerce’s affirmative preliminary determinations).

The Commission’s public report Corrosion-Resistant Steel Products from China, India, Italy, Korea, and Taiwan (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-534-537 and 731-TA-1274-1278 (Final), USITC Publication 4620, July 2016) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by July 28, 2016; 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

Corrosion-Resistant Steel Products from China, India, Italy, Korea, and Taiwan
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-534-537 and 731-TA-1274-1278 (Final)

Product Description: The products covered by these investigations are certain flat‐rolled steel products, either clad, plated, or coated with corrosion‐resistant metals such as zinc, aluminum, or zinc‐, aluminum‐, nickel‐ or iron‐based alloys, whether or not corrugated or painted, varnished, laminated, or coated with plastics or other non‐metallic substances in addition to the metallic coating. The products covered include coils that have a width of 12.7 mm or greater, regardless of form of coil (e.g., in successively superimposed layers, spirally oscillating, etc.) and products not in coils (e.g., in straight lengths).

The following are outside of and/or specifically excluded from the scope of these investigations:

Flat‐rolled steel products either plated or coated with tin, lead, chromium, chromium oxides, both tin and lead (“terne plate”), or both chromium and chromium oxides (“tin free steel”);
Clad plate products; and
Certain 3-ply clad stainless flat‐rolled products.

Status of Proceedings:

Type of investigations: Final antidumping and countervailing duty.
Petitioners: United States Steel Corp. (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), Nucor Corp. (Charlotte, North Carolina), Steel Dynamics Inc. (Fort Wayne, Indiana), California Steel Industries (Fontana, California), ArcelorMittal USA LLC (Chicago, Illinois), and AK Steel Corp. (West Chester, Ohio).
Investigations instituted by the USITC: June 3, 2015.
USITC hearing: May 26, 2016.
USITC vote: June 24, 2016.
USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: July 7, 2016.

U.S. Industry:

Number of producers in 2015: Twenty.
Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Washington, and West Virginia.
Employment of production and related workers in 2015: 11,667.
Apparent U.S. consumption in 2015: $17.1 billion.
Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2015: 21.1%.

U.S. Imports:

From subject countries during 2015: $2.1 billion.
From other countries during 2015: $1.5 billion.
Leading sources during 2015. Canada, Korea, Taiwan, China.

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June 22, 2016
News Release 16-077
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-541 and 731-TA-1284 and 1286 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

Cold-Rolled Steel Flat Products from China and Japan 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 cold-rolled steel flat products from China and Japan that the U.S. Department of Commerce has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the government of China.

All six Commissioners 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 China and antidumping duty orders on imports of these products from China and Japan.

The Commission also made negative findings with respect to critical circumstances with regard to imports of these products from China and Japan. As a result, goods that entered the United States from China prior to December 22, 2015, will not be subject to retroactive countervailing duties, and goods that entered the United States from China and Japan prior to March 7, 2016, will not be subject to retroactive antidumping duties (dates are the dates of the Department of Commerce’s affirmative preliminary determinations).

The Commission’s public report Cold-Rolled Steel Flat Products from China and Japan (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-541 and 731-TA-1284 and 1286 (Final), USITC Publication 4619, July 2016) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by July 26, 2016; 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
Cold-Rolled Steel Flat Products from Brazil, China, India, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the United Kingdom
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-540-544 and 731-TA-1283-1287, 1289-1290 (Final)

Product Description: The products covered by these investigations are certain cold-rolled (cold-reduced), flat rolled steel products, whether or not annealed, painted, varnished, or coated with plastics or other non-metallic substances. The products covered do not include those that are clad, plated, or coated with metal. The products covered include coils that have a width or other lateral measurement (‘‘width’’) of 12.7 mm or greater, regardless of form of coil (e.g., in successively superimposed layers, spirally oscillating, etc.). The products covered also include products not in coils (e.g., in straight lengths) of a thickness less than 4.75 mm and a width that is 12.7 mm or greater and that measures at least 10 times the thickness. The products covered also include products not in coils (e.g., in straight lengths) of a thickness of 4.75 mm or more and a width exceeding 150 mm and measuring at least twice the thickness. The products described above may be rectangular, square, circular, or other shape and include products of either rectangular or non-rectangular cross-section where such cross-section is achieved subsequent to the rolling process, i.e., products which have been ‘‘worked after rolling’’ (e.g., products which have been beveled or rounded at the edges.

Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioners: AK Steel Corp., West Chester, Ohio; ArcelorMittal USA LLC, Chicago, Illinois; Nucor Corp., Charlotte, North Carolina; Steel Dynamics, Inc., Fort Wayne, Indiana; and United States Steel Corp., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
3. Investigation instituted by USITC: July 28, 2015.
4. USITC hearing: May 24, 2016.
5. USITC vote: June 22, 2016 (China and Japan).
6. USITC notification of Department of Commerce: July 7, 2016 (China and Japan).

U.S. Industry:
1. Number of U.S. producers in 2015: 13.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Washington, and West Virginia.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2015: 11,218.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments in 2015: $6.8 billion (merchant market).
5. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments in 2015: $18.3 billion (total market).
6. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2015: $8.4 billion (merchant market).
7. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2015: $19.9 billion (total market).
8. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption in 2015: 10.7 percent (7 subject countries, merchant market).
9. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption in 2015: 4.5 percent (7 subject countries, total market).

U.S. Imports in 2015:
1. From China and Japan during 2015: $431.5 million.
2. From Brazil, India, Korea, Russia, and the United Kingdom during 2015: $467.8 million.
3. From other countries during 2015: $712.0 million
4. Leading sources during 2015: China, Canada, and Korea (in terms of total value).

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June 21, 2016
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-541 and 731-TA-1284 and 1286 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

New Time Announced for USITC Vote on June 22, 2016 (Cold-Rolled Steel Flat Products from China and Japan)

UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
GOVERNMENT IN THE SUNSHINE ACT MEETING NOTICE
USITC SE-16-022

CHANGE OF TIME TO GOVERNMENT IN THE SUNSHINE MEETING

AGENCY HOLDING THE MEETING: United States International Trade Commission

DATE: June 22, 2016

ORIGINAL TIME: 11:00 a.m.

NEW TIME: 9:30 a.m.

PLACE: Room 101, 500 E Street S.W., Washington, DC 20436
Telephone: (202) 205-2000

STATUS: Open to the public

In accordance with 19 CFR § 201.35(d)(2)(i), the Commission hereby gives notice that the Commission has determined to change the time of the meeting of June 22, 2016, from 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

In accordance with Commission policy, subject matter listed above, not disposed of at the scheduled meeting, may be carried over to the agenda of the following meeting. Earlier notification of this change was not possible.

By order of the Commission:

William R. Bishop
Supervisory Hearings and Information Officer

Issued: June 20, 2016

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June 16, 2016
News Release 16-070
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1071 (Second Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Alloy Magnesium from China

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on alloy magnesium 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 Meredith M. Broadbent and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, David S. Johanson, F. Scott Kieff, and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein voted in the affirmative. Vice Chairman Dean A. Pinkert did not participate in this review.

Today’s action comes under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. See the attached page for background on this five-year (sunset) review.

The Commission’s public report Alloy Magnesium from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-1071 (Second Review), USITC Publication 4618, June 2016) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.

The report will be available by July 21, 2016; 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 Alloy Magnesium from China was instituted on February 1, 2016.

On May 6, 2016, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review. Chairman Meredith M. Broadbent and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, David S. Johanson, F. Scott Kieff, and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein 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 Dean A. Pinkert did not participate in this review.

A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct an expedited review is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.

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June 8, 2016
News Release 16-065
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1070B
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Certain Tissue Paper Products from China

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on certain tissue paper products 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 these products from China will remain in place.

All six Commissioners 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 Certain Tissue Paper Products from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-1070B (Second Review), USITC Publication 4617, June 2016) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.

The report will be available by July 12, 2016; 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) review concerning Certain Tissue Paper Products from China was instituted on June 1, 2015.

On September 4, 2015, the Commission voted to conduct a full review. All six Commissioners concluded that the domestic group response for this review was adequate and that the respondent group response was inadequate. Chairman Meredith M. Broadbent and Commissioners David S. Johanson and F. Scott Kieff voted for a full review, finding that circumstances warranted a full review. Vice Chairman Dean A. Pinkert and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein 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.

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June 6, 2016
News Release 16-062
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1063-1064 and 1066-1068 (Second Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Will Conduct Full Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Frozen Warmwater Shrimp from Brazil, China, India, Thailand, and Vietnam

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC or Commission) has voted to conduct full five-year (“sunset”) reviews concerning the antidumping duty orders on frozen warmwater shrimp from Brazil, China, India, Thailand, and Vietnam.

As a result of these votes, the Commission will conduct full reviews to determine whether revocation of the orders would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.

The Commission’s notice of institution in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file with the Commission responses that discuss the likely effects of revoking the order under review and provide other pertinent 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.

With respect to Brazil, India, Thailand, and Vietnam, all six Commissioners concluded that both the domestic and the respondent group responses were adequate and voted for full reviews. With respect to China, all six Commissioners concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate, but that circumstances warranted a full review.

A record of the Commission’s votes on these matters 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.

The record of the Commission's votes is also posted on the USITC's Internet site at http://pubapps2.usitc.gov/sunset/caseProf/list?sort=caseTitle&order=asc. From this page, search "frozen warmwater shrimp" using the search box in the upper right corner.

The Federal Register notice will indicate whether any further information or statements will be available. The Commission will issue a report after it completes its reviews.

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June 6, 2016
News Release 16-061
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-308-310 and 520-521 (Fourth Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Will Expedite Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Carbon Steel Butt-Weld Pipe Fittings from Brazil, China, Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC or Commission) has voted to expedite its five-year (“sunset”) reviews concerning the antidumping duty orders on carbon steel butt-weld pipe fittings from Brazil, China, Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand.

As a result of this vote, the Commission will conduct expedited reviews to determine whether revocation of the orders would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.

The Commission generally does not hold a hearing or conduct further investigative activities in expedited reviews. Commissioners base their injury determinations 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 reviews, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.

Vice Chairman Dean A. Pinkert and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, F. Scott Kieff, and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein concluded that the domestic group response for these reviews was adequate and the respondent group responses were inadequate and voted for expedited reviews. Chairman Meredith M. Broadbent and Commissioner David S. Johanson concluded that the domestic group response for these reviews was adequate and the respondent group responses were inadequate, but that circumstances warranted full reviews.

The record of the Commission's votes is also posted on the USITC's Internet site at http://pubapps2.usitc.gov/sunset/caseProf/list?sort=caseTitle&order=asc. From this page, search "butt-weld pipe fittings" using the search box in the upper right corner.

The Federal Register notice will indicate whether any further information or statements will be available. Only parties that filed adequate responses and filed timely notices of appearance are eligible to participate further in these reviews. The Commission will issue a report after it completes its reviews.

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May 20, 2016
News Release 16-057
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-559-561 and 731-TA-1317-1328 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Votes to Continue Investigations Concerning Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-to-Length Plate from 12 Countries

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 certain carbon and alloy steel cut-to-length plate from Austria, Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, South Africa, Taiwan, and Turkey that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the governments of China and Korea.

The Commission further determined that imports of these products that are allegedly subsidized by the government of Brazil are negligible.

All six Commissioners made a finding of negligibility with respect to imports that are allegedly subsidized by the government of Brazil and voted in the affirmative with respect to all other investigations.

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its antidumping duty investigations on imports of this product from Austria, Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, South Africa, Taiwan, and Turkey, and its countervailing duty investigations on imports of this product from China and Korea, with its preliminary countervailing duty determinations due on or about July 5, 2016, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about September 15, 2016.

As a result of the Commission’s finding of negligibility, the countervailing duty investigation on imports of these products from Brazil will be terminated.

The Commission’s public report Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-to-Length Plate from Austria, Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, South Africa, Taiwan, and Turkey, Inv. Nos. 701-TA-559-561 and 731-TA-1317-1328 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4615, May 2016) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after June 21, 2016. After that date, 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 Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-to-length Plate from Austria, Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, South Africa, Taiwan, and Turkey
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-559-561 and 731-TA-1317-1328 (Preliminary)

Product Description: Cut-to-length (CTL) plate is a flat-rolled carbon or alloy steel product that is 4.75 millimeters or more in thickness. CTL plate is available in a variety of widths, thicknesses, and shapes. The term “cut-to-length” refers to a flat plate product with a defined length. Plate is used in load-bearing and structural applications, such as agricultural and construction equipment (e.g., cranes, bulldozers, scrapers, and other tracked or self-propelled machinery); bridges; machine parts (e.g., the body of the machine or its frame); electricity transmission towers and light poles; buildings (especially nonresidential); and heavy transportation equipment, such as railroad cars (especially tank cars) and ships. The product scope also includes wide flat carbon steel bar at least 150 mm (5.9 inches) in width.

Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioners: ArcelorMittal USA LLC, Nucor Corporation, and SSAB Enterprises, LLC.
3. Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC: April 14, 2016.
4. Commission’s conference: April 29, 2016.
5. USITC vote: May 20, 2016.
6. USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce: May 23, 2016.
7. USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: May 31, 2016.

U.S. Industry:
1. Number of producers in 2015: Seventeen.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2015: 3,889.
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2015: 7.2 million short tons.
5. Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2015: 20.9 percent.

U.S. Imports:
1. From the subject countries during 2015:¹
2. From other countries during 2015: [1]
3. Leading sources during 2015: Korea, Germany, and France (in terms of total value).

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

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May 13, 2016
News Release 16-052
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-558 and 731-TA-1316 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Votes to Continue Investigations Concerning 1-Hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-Disphosphonic Acid (HEDP) from China

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 1-hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-disphosphonic acid (HEDP) from China that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.

All six Commissioners voted in the affirmative.

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its investigation on imports of this product from China, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about June 24, 2016, and its antidumping duty determination due on or about September 7, 2016.

The Commission’s public report 1-Hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-Disphosphonic Acid (HEDP) from China, Inv. Nos. 701-TA-558 and 731-TA-1316 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4612, May 2016) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after June 13, 2016. After that date, 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

1-Hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-diphosphonic acid (“HEDP”) from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-558 and 731-TA-1316 (Preliminary)

Product Description: HEDP is an odorless, colorless to yellowish acidic liquid organic phosphorus chemical compound used principally in industrial water treatment applications where it is effective in increasing the solubility of metal mineral ions that otherwise would cause harmful scaling in process equipment. The product is sold largely in 60 percent aqueous industrial grade acidic solution, although the scope extends to all purity levels and aqueous concentrations of acidic (non-neutralized) HEDP. The product is stable across a wide range of temperatures, pH, and chlorine levels. In addition to its major use as an antiscalant in commercial cooling water systems, the product also finds effective use in reverse osmosis desalination, sequestration (stabilization) of metal ions that color water and stain surfaces, and serves to stabilize bar soap and antimicrobial agent formulations. HEDP is a reaction product of phosphorous acid and acetic anhydride, in which salable acetic acid byproduct is also produced: 2H₃PO₃ + (CH₃CO)₂O = C₂H₈O₇P₂ (HEDP) + CH₃COOH (Acetic Acid).

Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioner: Compass Chemical International, LLC, Smyrna, GA.
3. Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC: March 31, 2016.
4. Commission’s conference: April 21, 2016.
5. USITC vote: May 13, 2016.
6. USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce: May 16, 2016.
7. USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: May 23, 2016.

U.S. Industry:
1. Number of producers in 2015: One.
2. Location of producer’s plant: Georgia.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2015: ^{^[1]}
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2015: ¹
5. Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2015: ¹

U.S. Imports:
1. From the subject country during 2015: ¹
2. From other countries during 2015: ¹
3. Leading sources during 2015: ¹

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

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May 11, 2016
News Release 16-050
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1315 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Votes to Continue Investigation Concerning Ferrovanadium from Korea

All six Commissioners voted in the affirmative.

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determination, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its investigation on imports of this product from Korea, with its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about September 6, 2016.

The Commission’s public report Ferrovanadium from Korea (Investigation No. 731-TA-1315 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4611, May 2016) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.

The report will be available after June 9, 2016. After that date, 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
Ferrovanadium from Korea
Investigation No. 731-TA-1315 (Preliminary)

Product Description: The product covered by this investigation is all ferrovanadium regardless of grade (i.e., percentage of contained vanadium), chemistry, form, shape, or size. Ferrovanadium is an alloy of iron and vanadium.

Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary antidumping.
2. Petitioners: The Vanadium Producers and Reclaimers Association and its members: AMG Vanadium, LLC, Cambridge, OH; Bear Metallurgical Company, Butler, PA; Gulf Chemical & Metallurgical Corporation, Freeport, TX; and Evraz Stratcor, Inc., Hot Springs, AR.
3. Preliminary investigation instituted by the USITC: March 28, 2016.
4. Commission’s conference: April 18, 2016.
5. USITC vote: May 11, 2016.
6. USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce: May 12, 2016.
7. USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: May 19, 2016.

U.S. Industry:
1. Number of producers in 2015: Two.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Ohio and Pennsylvania.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2015: [1]
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2015: ¹
5. Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2015: ¹

U.S. Imports:
1. From the subject country during 2015: $16.3 million.
2. From other countries during 2015: $50.7 million.
3. Leading sources during 2015: Czech Republic, Korea, and Austria (in terms of total value).

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

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