October 28, 2021
News Release 21-124
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1071 (Third 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 imports of 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 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 Alloy Magnesium from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-1071 (Third Review), USITC Publication 5238, November 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.

The report will be available by November 29, 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 Alloy Magnesium from China was instituted on June 1, 2021.

On September 7, 2021, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review. Commissioners Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stain, David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel 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 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.

# # #
October 26, 2021
News Release 21-121
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1546-1549 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Thermal Paper from Germany, Japan, Korea, and Spain 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 thermal paper from Germany, Japan, Korea, and Spain 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 Germany, Japan, Korea, and Spain.

The Commission also made negative critical circumstances findings with regard to imports of this product from Germany and Korea.  As a result, these imports will not be subject to retroactive antidumping duties.

The Commission’s public report Thermal Paper from Germany, Japan, Korea, and Spain (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1546-1549 (Final), USITC Publication 5237, November 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by November 29, 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

Thermal Paper from Germany, Japan, Korea, and Spain
Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1546-1549 (Final)

Product Description:  Thermal paper in the form of “jumbo rolls” and certain “converted rolls.” The scope covers jumbo rolls and converted rolls of thermal paper with or without a base coat (typically made of clay, latex, and/or plastic pigments, and/or like materials) on one or both sides; with thermal active coating(s) (typically made of sensitizer, dye, and coreactant, and/or like materials) on one or both sides; with or without a top coat (typically made of pigments, polyvinyl alcohol, and/or like materials), and without an adhesive backing. Jumbo rolls are defined as rolls with an actual width of 4.5 inches or more, an actual weight of 65 pounds or more, and an actual diameter of 20 inches or more (jumbo rolls). All jumbo rolls are included in the scope regardless of the basis weight of the paper. Also included in the scope are “converted rolls” with an actual width of less than 4.5 inches, and with an actual basis weight of 70 grams per square meter (gsm) or less. The scope of this investigation covers thermal paper that is converted into rolls with an actual width of less than 4.5 inches and with an actual basis weight of 70 gsm or less in third countries from jumbo rolls produced in the subject countries.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Final antidumping duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  Appvion Operations, Appleton, WI; and Domtar Corporation, Fort Mills, SC.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Wednesday, October 7, 2020.
>4.   USITC Hearing Date:  Tuesday, September 21, 2021.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Tuesday, October 26, 2021.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Monday, November 15, 2021.

U.S. Industry in 2021:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  10.
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  Arizona, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas Virginia, Wisconsin.
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 2021:

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

 

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

# # #
October 22, 2021
News Release 21-119
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1070B (Third Review)
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 imports of 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 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 Certain Tissue Paper Products from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-1070B (Third Review), USITC Publication 5236, November 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.

The report will be available by November 24, 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 Certain Tissue Paper Products from China was instituted on June 1, 2021.

On September 7, 2021, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review. 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 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.

# # #
October 4, 2021
News Release 21-117
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-462 and 731-TA-1156-1158 (Second Review) and 731-TA-1043-1045 (Third Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determinations in Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Polyethylene Retail Carrier Bags from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty orders on imports of polyethylene retail carrier bags from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam and the existing countervailing duty order on imports of this product from Vietnam would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the existing orders on imports of this product from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam 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 Polyethylene Retail Carrier Bags from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-462 and 731-TA-1156-1158 (Second Review) and 731-TA-1043-1045 (Third Review), USITC Publication 5233, October 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.

The report will be available by November 8, 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) reviews concerning Polyethylene Retail Carrier Bags from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam were instituted on April 1, 2021.

On July 7, 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.

# # #
September 29, 2021
News Release 21-115
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-282 (Fifth Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Petroleum Wax Candles from China

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on imports of petroleum wax candles 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 and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.  Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin 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 Petroleum Wax Candles from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-282 (Fifth Review), USITC Publication 5232, October 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.

The report will be available by November 2, 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 Petroleum Wax Candles from China was instituted on April 1, 2021.

On July 7, 2021, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review. Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, and Amy A. Karpel concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for an expedited review.  Commissioner David S. Johanson concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate, but that circumstances warranted a full review.  Commissioner Randolph J. Stayin did not participate in this adequacy determination.

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.

# # #
August 24, 2021
News Release 21-107
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1535-1536 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Methionine from Japan and Spain 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 methionine from Japan and Spain 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 Japan and Spain.

The Commission also made a negative critical circumstances finding with regard to imports of this product from Spain.  As a result, these imports will not be subject to retroactive antidumping duties.

The Commission’s public report Methionine from Japan and Spain (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1535-1536 (Final), USITC Publication 5230, September 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by September 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

Methionine from Japan and Spain
Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1535-1536 (Final)

Product Description:  Methionine (an organic amino acid) and methionine hydroxy analogue (an organic acid) are primarily used in animal feed and aquaculture. 

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Final antidumping duty investigations.
2.   Petitioner:  Novus International, Inc., St. Charles, MO.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Wednesday, July 29, 2020.
4.   USITC Hearing Date:  Tuesday, May 11, 2021.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Tuesday, August 24, 2021.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Tuesday, September 7, 2021.

U.S. Industry in 2020:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  2.
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  Alabama, Arkansas, 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 2020:

1.   Subject imports:  $126 million.
2.   Nonsubject imports:  $13 million.
3.   Leading import sources:  Spain, Japan, France, and Malaysia.

 

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

# # #
August 19, 2021
News Release 21-106
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-469 and 731-TA-1168 (Second Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determinations in Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Standard, Line, and Pressure Pipe from China

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of certain seamless carbon and alloy steel standard, line, and pressure pipe from China would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the existing orders 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 Certain Seamless Carbon and Alloy Steel Standard, Line, and Pressure Pipe from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-469 and 731-TA-1168 (Second Review), USITC Publication 5229, September 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.

The report will be available by September 22, 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) reviews concerning Certain Seamless Carbon and Alloy Steel Standard, Line, and Pressure Pipe from China were instituted on February 1, 2021.

On May 7, 2021, the Commission voted to conduct expedited reviews. Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, 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.

# # #
August 13, 2021
News Release 21-104
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1567-1569 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations Concerning Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber (NBR) from France, Korea, and Mexico

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 acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) from France, Korea, and Mexico 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 determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue its investigations of imports of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) from France, Korea, and Mexico, with its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about December 7, 2021.

The Commission’s public report Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber (NBR) from France, Korea, and Mexico (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1567-1569 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5227, August 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after September 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

Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber (NBR) from France, Korea and Mexico
Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1567-1569 (Preliminary)

Product Description:  The product covered by these investigations is commonly referred to as acrylonitrile butadiene rubber or nitrile rubber, a synthetic rubber produced by the emulsion polymerization of butadiene and acrylonitrile with or without the incorporation of a third component selected from methacrylic acid or isoprene. Coverage includes the product in solid or non-aqueous liquid form and includes carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber. The product is sold to customers who use it in downstream production of various products. It is most used in applications where a moderate level of heat and oil or fuel resistance is required, such as applications in the industrial hose, automotive, and the oil and gas industries. Downstream product applications include, but are not limited to, hoses, air ducts, oil and gas components, construction insulation, adhesives, mats, wires and cables, and seals for automotive and industrial use.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Preliminary antidumping duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  Zeon Chemicals L.P., Louisville, KY; Zeon GP, LLC, Louisville, KY (collectively "Zeon").
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Wednesday, June 30, 2021.
4.   USITC Conference Date:  Wednesday, July 21, 2021.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Friday, August 13, 2021.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Monday, August 16, 2021.

U.S. Industry in 2020:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  1.
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  Kentucky.
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:  $56.4 million.
2.   Nonsubject imports:  $30.4 million.
3.   Leading import sources:  France, Japan, Korea, and Mexico.


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

# # #
August 13, 2021
News Release 21-103
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-668-669 and 731-TA-1565-1566 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations Concerning Urea Ammonium Nitrate Solutions from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago

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 urea ammonium nitrate solutions from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago 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 urea ammonium nitrate solutions from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago, with its preliminary countervailing duty determinations due on or about September 23, 2021, and its antidumping duty determinations due on or about December 7, 2021.

The Commission’s public report Urea Ammonium Nitrate Solutions from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-668-669 and 731-TA-1565-1566 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5226, August 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after September 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

Urea Ammonium Nitrate (UAN) Solutions from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-668-669 and 731-TA-1565-1566 (Preliminary)

Product Description:  Urea Ammonium Nitrate Solutions (UAN) are popular large volume aqueous liquid mixtures of the nitrogen fertilizers organic urea [CO(NH2)2] and inorganic ammonium nitrate, (NH4NO3). The product contains a solution of 28 to 32 percent plant available nitrogen (N) by weight in 20 to 30 percent water, the 32 percent N grade preferred due to its higher N analysis and transportation economics. The product is mildly acidic and contains a corrosion inhibitor additive. UAN is a preferred liquid nitrogen fertilizer because of its safe handling and versatile crop nutrient profile. Ammonium nitrate is a fast-acting inorganic fertilizer ideal for fertilization of emerging crops, while urea provides a more sustained slower release fertilization. Half of the total plant available N content of UAN solution comes from ammonium nitrate, and the other half from urea.  Additionally, UAN can be blended with essential multinutrient liquid solutions of phosphate and potassium, together with pesticides, further providing efficiency in a single application. UAN is popularly used across the United States and Europe where applicable infrastructure is available to fertilize a variety of row crops and other plant species by direct spray or sidedressing, irrigation or foliar fertilization. UAN primary feedstock is ammonia (NH3) derived from natural gas (CH4) and atmospheric nitrogen (N2).

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Preliminary countervailing duty and antidumping duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners:   CF Industries Nitrogen, LLC and its subsidiaries, Terra Nitrogen, Limited Partnership and Terra International (Oklahoma) LLC, all of Deerfield, IL.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Wednesday, June 30, 2021.
4.   USITC Conference Date:  Wednesday, July 21, 2021.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Friday, August 13, 2021.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Monday, August 16, 2021.

U.S. Industry in 2020:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  8.
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming.
3.   Production and related workers:  1,434.
4.   U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments:  $1.8 billion.
5.   Apparent U.S. consumption:  $2.1 billion.
6.   Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption:  14.4 percent by volume.

U.S. Imports in 2020:

1.   Subject imports:  $297 million.
2.   Nonsubject imports:  $92 million.
3.   Leading import sources:  Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, the Netherlands, and Egypt.

# # #
August 3, 2021
News Release 21-100
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-468 and 731-TA-1166-1167 (Second Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determinations in Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Certain Magnesia Carbon Bricks from China and Mexico

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty orders on imports of certain magnesia carbon bricks from China and Mexico and the existing countervailing duty order on imports of this product from China would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the existing orders on imports of this product from China and Mexico 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 Certain Magnesia Carbon Bricks from China and Mexico (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-468 and 731-TA-1166 and 1167 (Second Review), USITC Publication 5223, August 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.

The report will be available by September 7, 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) reviews concerning Certain Magnesia Carbon Bricks from China and Mexico were instituted on January 4, 2020.

On April 9, 2021, the Commission voted to conduct expedited reviews. Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, 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 were inadequate, but that circumstances warranted 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.

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