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News Release 21-043
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-649 and 731-TA-1523 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of twist ties from China that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative. Chair Jason E. Kearns and Commissioner David S. Johanson voted in the negative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from China.
The Commission’s public report Twist Ties from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-649 and 731-TA-1523 (Final), USITC Publication 5179, April 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.
The report will be available by April 23, 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
Twist Ties from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-649 and 731-TA-1523 (Final)
Product Description: The merchandise covered by these investigations consist of twist ties, which are thin, bendable ties for closing containers, such as bags, bundle items, or identifying objects. The product in most circumstances is comprised of one or more metal wires encased in a covering material, which allows the tie to retain its shape and bind against itself. It is possible to make a twist tie with plastic and no metal wires. The metal wire that is generally used in a twist tie is stainless or galvanized steel and typically measures between the gauges of 19 (.0410" diameter) and 31 (.0132") (American Standard Wire Gauge). Included are all-plastic twist ties containing a plastic core as well as a plastic covering (the wing) over the core, like paper and/or plastic in a metal tie. An all-plastic twist tie (without metal wire) has the same measurements as a twist tie containing one or more metal wires. Twist ties are commonly available individually in pre-cut lengths ("singles"), wound in large spools to be cut later by machine or hand, or in perforated sheets of spooled or single twist ties that are later slit by machine or by hand ("gangs"). The covering material of a twist tie may be paper (metallic or plain) or plastic and can be dyed in a variety of colors with or without printing. The product may have the same covering material on both sides or one side of paper and one side of plastic. When comprised of two sides of paper, the paper material is bound together with an adhesive or plastic. A twist tie may also have a tag or label attached to it or a pre-applied adhesive attached. Excluded from these investigations are twist ties packaged with bags for sale together where the quantity of twist ties does not exceed twice the number of bags in each package. Also excluded are twists ties that constitute part of the packaging of the imported product, for example, merchandise anchored/secured to a backing with twist ties in the retail package or a bag of bread that is closed with a twist tie.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final countervailing duty and antidumping duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: Bedford Industries Inc., Worthington, MN.
3. USITC Institution Date: Friday, June 26, 2020.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Tuesday, February 16, 2021.
5. USITC Vote Date: Tuesday, March 23, 2021.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Thursday, April 8, 2021.
U.S. Industry in 2019:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 2.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Arizona and Minnesota.
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 2019:
1. Subject imports: $2.2 million.
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: China.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 21-041
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1474 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is not materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene from Korea 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 negative.
As a result of the Commission’s negative determination, no antidumping duty order will be issued.
The Commission’s public report Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene from Korea (Inv. No. 731-TA-1474 (Final), USITC Publication 5178, April 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.
The report will be available by April 26, 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
Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene from Korea
Investigation No. 731-TA-1474 (Final)
Product Description: Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is an extremely high viscosity, substantially linear polyethylene. It is defined by its molecular weight, as defined by Margolie's Equation, of greater than 1.0 × 106 g/mol. UHMWPE may also be defined by its melt mass-flow rate of <0.1 g/10 min, measured at 190 °C and 21.6 kg load, based on the methods and calculations set forth in the International Organization for Standardization standards 21304-1 and 21304-2. Included is all UHMWPE in granular or powder forms meeting the above specifications regardless of additives introduced in the manufacturing process. Medical grade UHMWPE is excluded. UHMWPE has the highest impact strength of the polyethylenes and is used to create fibers that are used in demanding, high strength applications such as ballistic and slash-proof armor, as well as snowboards, skis, cut-resistant gloves, bow strings, climbing equipment, fishing line, suspension lines on sport parachutes and paragliders, rigging in yachting, and tow lines for boating.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final antidumping duty investigation.
2. Petitioner: Celanese Corporation, Irving, Texas.
3. USITC Institution Date: March 4, 2020.
4. USITC Hearing Date: February 18, 2021.
5. USITC Vote Date: March 22, 2021.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: April 12, 2021.
U.S. Industry in 2019:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 2.
2. Location of producers’ plants: 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 2019:
1. Subject imports: 1
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: Belgium, Brazil, Germany, Japan, Korea, and the Netherlands.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 21-036
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1092 (Second Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on imports of diamond sawblades 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 Diamond Sawblades from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-1092 (Second Review), USITC Publication 5176, March 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.
The report will be available by April 19, 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 Diamond Sawblades from China was instituted on August 3, 2020.
On November 6, 2020, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review. 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 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.
News Release 21-034
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-663-664 and 731-TA-1555-1556 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of granular polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resin from India and Russia 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 granular polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resin from India and Russia, with its preliminary countervailing duty determinations due on or about April 22, 2021, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about July 6, 2021.
The Commission’s public report Granular Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Resin from India and Russia (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-663-664 and 731-TA-1555-1556 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5174, March 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after April 12, 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
Granular Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Resin from India and Russia
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-663-664 and 731-TA-1555-1556 (Preliminary)
Product Description: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a crystalline polymer consisting of repeating units of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), or C2F4. Granular PTFE, often referred to as molding powder, is typically processed to form stock shapes, which can then be machined into products such as gaskets, diaphragms, corrosion‐resistant lining, piping components, and lab equipment. Producers of PTFE use specific trade names for their PTFE products, including Polyflon™, a registered trademark of Daikin, and Teflon®, a registered trademark of Chemours. Granular PTFE resin is included in these investigations whether filled or unfilled, whether or not modified, and whether or not containing co‐polymer, additives, pigments, or other materials. Also included is PTFE wet raw polymer. Subject merchandise includes material matching the above description that has been finished, packaged, or otherwise processed in a third country, including by filling, modifying, compounding, packaging with another product, or performing any other finishing, packaging, or processing that would not otherwise remove the merchandise from the scope of the investigations if performed in the country of manufacture of the granular PTFE resin. The product covered by these investigations does not include dispersion or coagulated dispersion (also known as fine powder) PTFE. PTFE further processed into micropowder, having particle size typically ranging from 1 to 25 microns, and a melt‐flow rate no less than 0.1 gram/10 minutes, is excluded.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary countervailing duty and antidumping duty investigations.
2. Petitioner: Daikin, Orangeburg, NY.
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, January 27, 2021.
4. USITC Conference Date: Wednesday, February 17, 2021.
5. USITC Vote Date: Friday, March 12, 2021.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Monday, March 15, 2021.
U.S. Industry in 2019:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 2.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama and West Virginia.
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 2019:
1. Subject imports: 1
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: India, Russia, Germany, China.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 21-035
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1014 and 1016 (Third Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty orders on imports of polyvinyl alcohol from China and 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 determinations, the existing orders on imports of this product from China and Japan 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 Polyvinyl Alcohol from China and Japan (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1014 and 1016 (Third Review), USITC Publication 5173, March 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.
The report will be available by April 19, 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 Polyvinyl Alcohol from China and Japan were instituted on April 1, 2020.
On July 6, 2020, the Commission voted to conduct full reviews. With respect to China, 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 response was inadequate, but that circumstances warranted a full review. With respect to Japan, Commissioners Johanson, Schmidtlein, Kearns, Stayin, and Karpel concluded that both the domestic and the respondent group responses were adequate and voted for a full review.
A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct full reviews is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.
News Release 21-028
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-662 and 731-TA-1554 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of pentafluoroethane (R-125) from China that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue its investigations of imports of pentafluoroethane (R-125) from China, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about April 7, 2021, and its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about June 21, 2021.
The Commission’s public report Pentafluoroethane (R-125) from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-662 and 731-TA-1554 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5170, March 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after March 29, 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
Pentafluoroethane (R-125) from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-662 and 731-TA-1554 (Preliminary)
Product Description: R‐125 (pentafluoroethane) is a colorless, odorless gas with a chemical formula of C2HF5. R-125, a hydrofluorocarbon ("HFC"), does not deplete the ozone layer, and is non‐flammable and non‐toxic. R‐125 is used primarily as a component in HFC blends, which are used in residential and commercial refrigerant and cooling applications. It is also used as a fire extinguishing agent and for semiconductor plasma etching. R‐125 is the most common component used in refrigerant blends, primarily because it is non-flammable. It does not have sufficient heat transfer capacity or other thermal properties for it to be used as a standalone refrigerant.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary countervailing duty and antidumping duty investigations.
2. Petitioner: Honeywell International, Inc.
3. USITC Institution Date: Tuesday, January 12, 2021.
4. USITC Conference Date: Tuesday, February 2, 2021.
5. USITC Vote Date: Thursday, February 25, 2021.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Friday, February 26, 2021.
U.S. Industry in 2019:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 1.
2. Location of producer’s plants: Louisiana.
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 2019:
1. Subject imports: 1
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: China.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 21-026
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-638 and 731-TA-1473 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of corrosion inhibitors from China that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are 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, Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from China.
The Commission’s public report Corrosion Inhibitors from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-638 and 731-TA-1473 (Final), USITC Publication 5169, March 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.
The report will be available by March 30, 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
Corrosion Inhibitors from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-638 and 731‐TA‐1473 (Final)
Product Description: Corrosion inhibitors covered in these investigations are used to protect elements and metal alloys, including copper, copper alloys, zinc, cobalt, silver, aluminum, and steel from corrosion, a natural process that converts a refined metal into a more chemically stable form (e.g., an oxide, hydroxide, or sulfide). Specifically, the scope includes tolyltriazole and benzotriazole of all grades and forms, including the sodium salt forms. Included are mixtures of tolyltriazole, benzotriazole, and their salt forms amongst themselves or with other products, provided that the tolyltriazole and benzotriazole comprise at least 5 percent of the mixture on a dry weight basis. For such combined products, only the tolyltriazole/sodium tolyltriazole and benzotriazole/sodium benzotriazole component is covered by the scope. Excluded is a tolyltriazole or benzotriazole combination or mixture that is transformed through a chemical reaction into another product, such that, for example, the tolyltriazole or benzotriazole can no longer be separated from the other products through a distillation or other process. Corrosion inhibitors are typically used for corrosion protection in a variety of applications, such as industrial water treatment, automotive fluids, metalworking fluids, aircraft and runway de-icers, lubricants, direct treatment, cleaners, circuit boards, inks, and coatings.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioner: Wincom, Inc., Blue Ash, OH.
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2020.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Thursday, January 21, 2021.
5. USITC Vote Date: Tuesday, February 23, 2021.
6. USITC Views to Commerce: Tuesday, March 11, 2021.
U.S. Industry in 2019:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 3.
2. Location of producers’ plants: South Carolina, Texas, and Ohio.
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 2019:
1. Subject imports: $19.8 million.
2. Nonsubject imports: $2.0 million.
3. Leading import sources: China.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 21-023
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-776-779 (Fourth Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty orders on imports of preserved mushrooms from Chile, China, India, and Indonesia 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 Chile, China, India, and Indonesia 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 Preserved Mushrooms from Chile, China, India, and Indonesia (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-776-779 (Fourth Review), USITC Publication 5167, March 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.
The report will be available by March 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 Preserved Mushrooms from Chile, China, India, and Indonesia were instituted on August 3, 2020.
On November 6, 2020, 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.
News Release 21-021
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1472 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of difluoromethane (R-32) from China 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 determination, Commerce will issue an antidumping duty order on imports of this product from China.
The Commission’s public report Difluoromethane (R-32) from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-1472 (Final), USITC Publication 5165, March 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.
The report will be available by March 23, 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
Difluoromethane from China
Investigation No. 731‐TA‐1472 (Final)
Product Description: R-32 is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), a colorless, odorless, gaseous chemical that is primarily used as a component in HFC blends. Once blended, these gases are used for various residential and commercial refrigerant and cooling applications. Apart from ‘R-32’, difluoromethane has other names, including HFC-32, FC-32, Freon-32, methylene difluoride, methylene fluoride, carbon fluoride hydride, halocarbon R32, fluorocarbon R32, and UN 3252. Compared to other HFC components, R-32 has a relatively lower global warming potential, no ozone depletion potential, and is a low-to-medium temperature refrigerant.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final phase antidumping duty investigation.
2. Petitioners: Arkema, Inc., Pennsylvania.
3. USITC Institution Date: Thursday, January 23, 2020.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Tuesday, January 12, 2021 (cancelled).
5. USITC Vote Date: Wednesday, February 10, 2021.
6. USITC Views to Commerce: not later than Tuesday, March 2, 2021.
U.S. Industry in 2019:
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 2019:
1. Subject imports: 1
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: China.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 21-020
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1070A
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on imports of crepe paper 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 Crepe Paper from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-1070A (Third Review), USITC Publication 5163, February 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.
The report will be available by March 15, 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 Crepe Paper from China was instituted on August 3, 2020.
On November 6, 2020, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review. 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 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.
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.