China
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 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 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 Petroleum Wax Candles from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-282 (Fourth Review), USITC Publication 4610, May 2016) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.
The report will be available by May 31, 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 Petroleum Wax Candles from China was instituted on December 1, 2015.
On March 7, 2016, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review. All six Commissioners concluded that the domestic group response for this review was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for an expedited review.
A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct an expedited review is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.
USITC Votes to Continue Investigation of 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (R-134a) from China
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 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (R-134a) from China that are allegedly 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 determination, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its investigation on imports of this product from China, with its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about August 10, 2016.
The Commission’s public report 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (R-134a) from China (Investigation No. 731-TA-1313 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4606, April 2016) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.
The report will be available after May 16, 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
Office of Industries
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane from China
Investigation No. 731-TA-1313 (Preliminary)
Product Description: 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (HFC‐134a or R‐134a) is a clear, colorless liquid or gas, which is gaseous at normal atmospheric conditions. The chemical formula for R-134a is CF3‐CH2F, and the Chemical Abstracts Service (“CAS”) registry number is CAS 811‐97‐2. R-134a is mainly used as a refrigerant for air conditioning (“A/C”) systems. It is the primary refrigerant in mobile (e.g., automobile) A/C systems and can be blended with other chemicals for use in stationary refrigeration systems. R‐134a is also used as a propellant in pharmaceutical, household cleaning, and foam expansion products.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary antidumping.
2. Petitioners: The American HFC Coalition and its individual members (Amtrol, Inc., West Warwick, RI; Arkema, Inc., King of Prussia, PA; The Chemours Company FC LLC, Wilmington, DE; Honeywell International Inc., Morristown, NJ; Hudson Technologies, Pearl River, NY; Mexichem Fluor Inc., St. Gabriel, LA; and Worthington Industries, Inc., Columbus, OH) as well as District Lodge 154 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Calvert City, KY.
3. Preliminary investigation instituted by the USITC: March 3, 2016.
4. USITC conference: March 24, 2016.
5. USITC vote: April 15, 2016.
6. USITC determination to the U.S. Department of Commerce: April 18, 2016.
7. USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: April 25, 2016.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of producers in 2015: Three.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Kentucky, Louisiana, and Texas.
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 in 2015:
1. From the subject country during 2015: 1
2. From other countries during 2015: $8.1 million
3. Leading source during 2015: China (in terms of total value)
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (Pet) Resin from Canada, China, India, And Oman 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 polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin from Canada, China, India, and Oman 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 and India.
The Commission also made negative findings with respect to critical circumstances with regard to imports of this product from India. As a result, goods that entered the United States from India in the 90 days prior to August 15, 2015, will not be subject to retroactive countervailing duties, and goods that entered the United States from India in the 90 days prior to October 15, 2015, will not be subject to retroactive antidumping duties (dates are the dates of the Department of Commerce’s affirmative preliminary determinations).
All six Commissioners made affirmative material injury determinations and negative critical circumstances findings.
As a result of the USITC’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from China and India and antidumping duty orders on imports of this product from Canada, China, India, and Oman.
The Commission’s public report Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Resin from Canada, China, India, and Oman (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-531-532 and 731-TA-1270-1273 (Final), USITC Publication 4604, April 2016) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by May 19, 2016; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Certain Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Resin from Canada, China, India, and Oman
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-531-532 and 731-TA-1270-1273 (Final)
Product Description: PET resin is a large‐volume, commodity‐grade thermoplastic polyester polymer that is primarily sold in bulk form as chips or pellets to downstream end users/converters. Converters use PET resin to manufacture bottles and other sterile containers that house liquid and solid products for human consumption or contact. Articles manufactured with PET resin are clear, transparent, sterile, lightweight, and thermally stable. The PET resin covered in these investigations has an intrinsic viscosity of at least 0.70, but not more than 0.88, deciliters per gram. Included are blends of virgin PET resin and recycled PET resin containing 50 percent or more virgin PET resin content by weight, provided such blends meet the intrinsic viscosity requirements above. The products covered include all PET resin meeting the above specifications regardless of additives introduced in the manufacturing process. Major end‐use applications for bottle grade PET resin include carbonated soft drink bottles, water bottles, and other containers such as for juices, peanut butter, jams and jellies, salad dressings, cooking oils, household cleaners, and cosmetics.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Final antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioners: DAK Americas, LLC, Charlotte, NC; M&G Chemicals, Houston, TX; and Nan Ya Plastics Corporation, America, Lake City, SC.
3. Investigations instituted by USITC: March 10, 2015.
4. USITC hearing: March 1, 2016.
5. USITC vote: March 31, 2016.
6. USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: By April 28, 2016.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of U.S. producers in 2014: 4.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, Mississippi, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Texas.
3. Employment of production-related workers in 2014: 989.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments in 2014: [1]
5. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2014: 1
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption in 2014: 1
U.S. Imports in 2011:
1. From the subject countries during 2011: 1
2. From other countries during 2014: $409 million.
3. Leading sources during 2014: Mexico and Canada (in terms of total value).
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations on Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip from China
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 stainless steel sheet and strip 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 investigations on imports of these products from China, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about May 9, 2016, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about July 21, 2016.
The Commission’s public report Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip from China (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-557 and 731-TA-1312 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4603, April 2016) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after April 25, 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
Office of Industries
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-557 and 731-TA-1312 (Preliminary)
Product Description: The merchandise covered by these investigations is stainless steel sheet and strip, whether in coils or straight lengths. Stainless steel is an alloy steel containing, by weight, 1.2 percent or less of carbon and 10.5 percent or more of chromium, with or without other elements. The subject sheet and strip is a flat‐rolled product – either in coils or straight lengths ‐ with a width that is greater than 9.5 mm and with a thickness of 0.3048 mm and greater but less than 4.75 mm, and that is annealed or otherwise heat treated and pickled or otherwise descaled. The subject sheet and strip may also be further processed (e.g., cold‐rolled, annealed, tempered, polished, aluminized, coated, painted, varnished, trimmed, cut, punched, or slit, etc.) provided that it maintains the specific dimensions of sheet and strip following such processing. 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). Excluded from the scope of these investigations are the following: (1) sheet and strip that is not annealed or otherwise heat treated and not pickled or otherwise descaled; (2) plate (i.e., flat‐rolled stainless steel products of a thickness of 4.75 mm or more); and (3) flat wire (i.e., cold-rolled sections, with a prepared edge, rectangular in shape, of a width of not more than 9.5 mm).
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioners: AK Steel Corp., West Chester, OH; Allegheny Ludlum, LLC, d/b/a ATI Flat Rolled Products, Pittsburgh, PA; North American Stainless, Inc., Ghent, KY; and Outokumpu Stainless USA, LLC, Bannockburn, IL.
3. Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC: February 12, 2016.
4. Commission’s conference: March 4, 2016.
5. USITC vote: March 25, 2016.
6. USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce: March 28, 2016.
7. USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: April 4, 2016.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of producers in 2015: Four.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2015: 2,637.
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2015: $4.1 billion.
5. Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2015: 26.1 percent.
U.S. Imports:
1. From China during 2015: $312.2 million.
2. From other countries during 2015: $764.7 million.
3. Leading sources during 2015: China, Mexico, and Taiwan (in terms of total value).
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations Concerning Truck and Bus Tires from China
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of truck and bus tires from China that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Vice Chairman Dean A. Pinkert and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, David S. Johanson, and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein voted in the affirmative. Chairman Meredith M. Broadbent and Commissioner F. Scott Kieff voted in the negative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its investigations on imports of these products from China, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about April 25, 2016, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about July 7, 2016.
The Commission’s public report Truck and Bus Tires from China (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-556 and 731-TA-1311 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4601, March 2016) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after April 11, 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
Office of Industries
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Truck and Bus Tires from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-556 and 731-TA-1311 (Preliminary)
Product Description: Truck and bus tires are new pneumatic tires of rubber, designed and approved for use on heavy-duty commercial truck and bus vehicles that transport cargo and passengers on roads and highways. Compared to the lighter on-road consumer tires used on passenger vehicles and commercial light trucks, subject truck and bus tires are heavier, weight-bearing tires containing larger amounts of strong natural rubber and steel reinforcement. Truck and bus tires are produced in a large number of types and sizes, radial or non-radial, tube-type or tubeless, but are predominately of the tubeless, steel belted radial design, and sold in the original equipment and replacement markets. Tires of this nature are found on a large variety of vehicles, from the familiar urban around town haul trucks and passenger buses, to the higher speed, heavy-duty tractor-trailer rigs and passenger buses on highways. The product definition includes both unmounted and mounted tires, however only the tire is covered by the scope.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioner: United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union, AFL-CIO, CLC (“USW”), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
3. Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC: January 29, 2016.
4. Commission’s conference: February 19, 2016.
5. USITC vote: March 11, 2016.
6. USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce: March 14, 2016.
7. USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: March 21, 2016.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of producers in 2015: Four.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Illinois, Kansas, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2015: 6,423.
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2015: $5.9 billion.
5. Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2015: 43 percent.
U.S. Imports:
1. From the subject country during 2015: $1.2 billion.
2. From other countries during 2015: $1.3 billion.
3. Leading nonsubject sources during 2015: Canada, Japan, and Thailand (by quantity).
USITC Will Expedite Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Petroleum Wax Candles from China
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC or Commission) has voted to expedite its five-year (sunset) review concerning the antidumping duty order on petroleum wax candles from China.
As a result of this vote, the Commission will conduct an expedited review to determine whether revocation of this order would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.
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 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.
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.
All six Commissioners concluded that the domestic group response for this review was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for an expedited review.
A record of the Commission’s vote on this matter 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 vote 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 "petroleum wax candles" 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 this review. The Commission will issue a report after it completes its review.
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations on Certain Amorphous Silica Fabric from China
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 amorphous silica fabric 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 investigations on imports of these products from China, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about April 14, 2016, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about June 28, 2016.
The Commission’s public report Certain Amorphous Silica Fabric from China (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-555 and 731-TA-1310 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4598, March 2016) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after April 4, 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
Office of Industries
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Certain Amorphous Silica Fabric from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-555 and 731-TA-1310 (Preliminary)
Product Description: The product covered by these investigations is woven (whether from yarns or rovings) industrial grade amorphous silica fabric, which contains a minimum of 90 percent silica (SiO2) by nominal weight, and a nominal width in excess of 8 inches. The investigation covers industrial grade amorphous silica fabric regardless of other materials contained in the fabric, regardless of whether in roll form or cut-to-length, regardless of weight, width (except as noted above), or length. The investigation covers industrial grade amorphous silica fabric regardless of whether the product is approved by a standards testing body (such as being Factory Mutual (FM) Approved), or regardless of whether it meets any governmental specification.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioner: Auburn Manufacturing, Inc., Mechanic Falls, ME.
3. Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC: January 20, 2016.
4. Commission’s conference: February 10, 2016.
5. USITC vote: March 4, 2016.
6. USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce: March 7, 2016.
7. USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: March 14, 2016.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of producers in 2015: Two.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Maine and California.
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 China during 2015: 1
2. From other countries during 2015: 1
3. Leading import source during 2015: China.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations on Certain Biaxial Integral Geogrid Products from China
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 biaxial integral geogrid products from China that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its investigations on imports of these products from China, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about April 7, 2016, and its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about June 21, 2016.
The Commission’s public report Certain Biaxial Integral Geogrid Products from China (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-554 and 731-TA-1309 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4596, March 2016) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after March 28, 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
Office of Industries
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Certain Biaxial Integral Geogrid Products from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-554 and 731-TA-1309 (Preliminary)
Product Description:
Biaxial integral geogrid products are a polymer grid or mesh material (whether or not finished, slit, cut‐to‐length, attached to woven or nonwoven fabric or sheet material, or packaged) in which four‐sided openings in the form of squares, rectangles, rhomboids, diamonds, or other four-sided figures predominate. The products have integral strands that have been stretched to induce molecular orientation into the material constituting the sides of the openings and integral junctions where the strands intersect. “Integral” refers to strands and junctions that are homogenous with each other. The products covered have a tensile strength of greater than 5 kilonewtons per meter in any direction and average overall flexural stiffness of more than 100,000 milligram‐centimeter. The most common use is the construction of paved (usually asphalt) and unpaved roads. The product interlocks with road building materials to prevent lateral movement and increases the road’s load bearing capacity.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioner: Tensar Corporation, Morrow, GA.
3. Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC: January 13, 2016.
4. Commission’s conference: February 3, 2016.
5. USITC vote: February 26, 2016.
6. USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce: February 29, 2016.
7. USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: March 7, 2016.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of producers during 2014: Two.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, Maryland, and Georgia.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2014: [1]
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2014: 1
5. Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2014: 1
U.S. Imports:
1. From the subject country during 2014: $9.25 million.
2. From other countries during 2014: None.
3. Leading sources during 2014: China (in terms of total value).
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
USITC Makes Determinations in Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Seamless 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 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 antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of this product 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 these five-year (sunset) reviews.
The Commission’s public report Seamless Carbon and Alloy Steel Standard, Line, and Pressure Pipe from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-469 and 731-TA-1168 (Review), USITC Publication 4595, March 2016) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.
The report will be available by March 23, 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) reviews concerning Seamless Carbon and Alloy Steel Standard, Line, and Pressure Pipe from China were instituted on October 1, 2015.
On January 4, 2016, the Commission voted to conduct expedited reviews. All six Commissioners concluded that the domestic group response for these reviews was adequate and the respondent group response was 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.
USITC Votes to Continue Investigation on Large Residential Washers from China
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 large residential washers from China that are allegedly 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 determination, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its investigation on imports of these products from China, with its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about May 24, 2016.
The Commission’s public report Large Residential Washers from China (Investigation No. 731-TA-1306 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4591, February 2016) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.
The report will be available after February 29, 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
Office of Industries
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Large Residential Washers from China
Investigation No. 731-TA-1306 (Preliminary)
Product Description: Large residential washers (LRWs) are automatic clothes washing machines, regardless of the orientation of the rotational axis (horizontal or vertical) of the laundry drum, with a cabinet width (measured from its widest point) of at least 24.5 inches (62.23 cm) and no more than 32.0 inches (81.28 cm). Also included are certain parts of LRWs, namely cabinets, tubs, baskets, and combinations of such parts. In this instance, LRWs exclude the following products: (1) stacked washer-dryers that have a washing and drying machines built on a unitary frame and share a common control console; (2) commercial washers with electronics for payment; (3) certain low technology top loading or front loading washers that have a drive train using belts; and (4) extra-wide, front loading washers with a horizontal rotational axis and a cabinet width of more than 28.5 inches (72.39 cm). LRWs are used in residences for washing clothes.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary antidumping duty.
2. Petitioner: Whirlpool Corp., Benton Harbor, MI.
3. Preliminary investigation instituted by the USITC: December 16, 2015.
4. Commission’s conference: January 6, 2016.
5. USITC vote: January 29, 2016.
6. USITC determination to the U.S. Department of Commerce: February 1, 2016.
7. USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: February 8, 2016.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of producers in 2014: Four.[1]
2. Location of producers’ plants: Kentucky, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2014: [2]
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2014: 2
5. Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2014: 2
U.S. Imports:
1. From the subject countries during 2014: 2
2. From other countries during 2014: 2
3. Leading sources during 2014: 2
[1] The most recent full year of data is 2014, and the period of investigation is 2012–September 2015.
[2] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.