Countervailing duty
USITC Makes Determinations in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Stainless Steel Wire Rod From Japan, Korea, and Taiwan
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty orders on imports of stainless steel wire rod from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the existing orders on imports of this product from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan 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 Stainless Steel Wire Rod from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-771-772, and 775 (Fourth Review), USITC Publication 5279, February 2022) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.
The report will be available by March 3, 2022; 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 Stainless Steel Wire Rod from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan was instituted on July 1, 2021.
On October 4, 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.
USITC Makes Determinations in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Hydrofluorocarbon Blends from China
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on imports of hydrofluorocarbon blends 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 these five-year (sunset) reviews.
The Commission’s public report Hydrofluorocarbon Blends from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-1279 (First Review), USITC Publication 5278, February 2022) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.
The report will be available by February 28, 2022; 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 Hydrofluorocarbon blends from China was instituted on July 1, 2021.
On October 4, 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.
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations on Emulsion Styrene-Butadiene Rubber From Czechia, Italy, and Russia
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 emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber from Czechia, Italy, and Russia that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Chair Jason E. Kearns, Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative. Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin did not participate in these investigations.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue its investigations of imports of emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber from Czechia, Italy, and Russia, with its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about April 25, 2022.
The Commission’s public report Emulsion Styrene-Butadiene Rubber from Czechia, Italy, and Russia (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1575-1577 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5274, January 2022) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after January 28, 2022; 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
Emulsion Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (ESBR) from Czechia, Italy, and Russia
Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1575-1577 (Preliminary)
Product Description: Emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber ("ESBR") elastomers are large volume synthetic rubber copolymer derivatives of the petrochemical feedstocks styrene and butadiene produced by cold emulsion polymerization at 41-55 degrees Fahrenheit and typically compressed into salable rectangular bales of 80 pounds, but also sold in granules, crumbs, pellets, powders, plates, sheets, strip, etc. Scope products resulting from the production process consist of the 1500 and 1700 series grades of ESBR synthetic rubber elastomers defined by the International Institute of Synthetic Rubber Producers (IISRP). The 1500 series products are light-colored solid grades of ESBR popularly sold for tire and other applications, while the 1700 series products contain petroleum extender oil, darker in color but more easily processed and typically used for specialty compounding in tire manufacture and other applications. Some 70 percent or more of ESBR is used in tire tread compound formulations designed for new passenger vehicle and light truck replacement tires and heavier truck tire retreads, where its superior durability and extended tire wear characteristics excel. ESBR is also employed in a large variety of other applications including conveyor belting, hoses, other mechanical goods, and footwear. Scope exclusions include IISRP carbon black master batch 1600 and 1800 series, high styrene resin master batch 1900 series, and latex intermediate products.
Status of Proceedings:
- Type of investigation: Preliminary antidumping duty investigations.
- Petitioner: Lion Elastomers LLC, Port Neches, Texas.
- USITC Effective Institution Date: Monday, November 15, 2021.
- USITC Conference Date: Monday, December 6, 2021.
- USITC Vote Date: Wednesday, December 29, 2021.
- USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Thursday, December 30, 2021.
U.S. Industry in 2020:
- Number of U.S. producers: 2.
- Location of producers’ plants: Texas.
- Production and related workers: [1]
- U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: 1
- Apparent U.S. consumption: 1
- Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 1
U.S. Imports in 2020:
- Subject imports: 1
- Nonsubject imports: 1
- Leading import sources: Russia, Taiwan, and Mexico (by volume).
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
Certain Subsidized Mobile Access Equipment and Subassemblies Thereof Injure U.S. Industry, Says USITC
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is threatened with material injury by reason of imports of certain mobile access equipment and subassemblies thereof from China that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized by the government of China.
Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel made affirmative threat determinations.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative threat determination, Commerce will issue a countervailing duty order on imports of this product from China.
The Commission’s public report Certain Mobile Access Equipment and Subassemblies Thereof from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-665 (Final), USITC Publication 5242, December 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.
The report will be available by December 20, 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
Certain Mobile Access Equipment and Subassemblies Thereof from China
Investigation No. 701-TA-665 (Final)
Product Description: Mobile access equipment (MAE) consists primarily of boom lifts, scissor lifts, and telehandlers, and subassemblies thereof. MAE combines a mobile (self-propelled or towed) chassis, with a lifting device (e.g., scissor arms, boom assemblies) for mechanically lifting persons, tools and/or materials capable of reaching a working height of ten feet or more, and a coupler that provides an attachment point for the lifting device, in addition to other components. MAE includes mobile access equipment and subassemblies thereof whether finished or unfinished, whether assembled or unassembled, and whether the equipment contains any additional features that provide for functions beyond the primary lifting function.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final countervailing duty investigation.
2. Petitioner: The Coalition of American Manufacturers of Mobile Access Equipment (“CAMMAE” or “the Coalition”).
3. USITC Institution Date: Friday, February 26, 2021.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Tuesday, October 12, 2021.
5. USITC Vote Date: Wednesday, November 10, 2021.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Friday, December 3, 2021.
U.S. Industry in 2020:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 8.
2. Location of producers’ plants: California, Kansas, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Washington, and 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 2020:
1. Subject imports: $122.9 million
2. Nonsubject imports: $588.6 million
3. Leading import sources: Canada, China, and the United Kingdom.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
Subsidized Utility Scale Wind Towers from Malaysia Injure U.S. Industry, Says USITC
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of utility scale wind towers from Malaysia that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized by the government of Malaysia.
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 a countervailing duty order on imports of this product from Malaysia.
The Commission’s public report Utility Scale Wind Towers from Malaysia (Inv. Nos. 701-TA- 661 (Final), USITC Publication 5215, July 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations. The report will be available by August 9, 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
Utility Scale Wind Towers from Malaysia
Investigation No. 701-TA-661 (Final)
Product Description: Wind towers, whether or not tapered, and sections thereof, designed to support the nacelle and rotor blades in a wind turbine with a minimum rated electrical power generation capacity in excess of 100 kilowatts and with a minimum height of 50 meters (164 feet) measured from the base of the tower to the bottom of the nacelle when fully assembled. A wind tower section consists of, at a minimum, multiple steel plates rolled into cylindrical or conical shapes and welded together (or otherwise attached) to form a steel shell, regardless of coating, end-finish, painting, treatment, or method of manufacture, and with or without flanges, doors, or internal or external components attached to the wind tower section. Several wind tower sections are normally required to form a completed wind tower. Specifically excluded from the scope are (1) nacelles and rotor blades, regardless of whether they are attached to the wind tower; (2) any internal or external components which are not attached to the wind towers or sections thereof, unless those components are shipped with the tower sections.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final countervailing duty investigation.
2. Petitioners: Arcosa Wind Towers Inc., Dallas, TX; Broadwind Towers, Inc., Manitowoc, WI.
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2020.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Thursday, June 10, 2021.[1]
5. USITC Vote Date: Thursday, July 08, 2021.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Monday, July 26, 2021.
U.S. Industry in 2020:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 6.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin.
3. Production and related workers: 2,205.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $955 million.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: $1.8 billion.
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 2
U.S. Imports in 2020:
1. Subject imports: [2]
2. Nonsubject imports: 2
3. Leading import sources: Malaysia, India, and Spain.
[1] The hearing was cancelled. For more information, please see 86 FR 31730.
[2] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
Subsidized Chassis and Subassemblies from China Injure U.S. Industry, Says USITC
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of chassis and subassemblies that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized by the government of China.
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 a countervailing duty order on imports of this product from China.
The Commission’s public report Chassis and Subassemblies from China (Inv. No. 701-TA-657 (Final), USITC Publication 5187, May 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.
The report will be available by May 27, 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
Chassis and Subassemblies from China
Investigation No. 701-TA-657 (Final)
Product Description: Chassis are skeletal rectangular framed trailers used to transport shipping containers. The rectangular frame is made up of steel with a suspension and axle system, wheels and tires, brakes, a lighting and electrical system, a coupling for towing behind a truck tractor, and a locking system or systems to secure the shipping container or containers attached to the chassis. Chassis are designed to carry containers of various sizes (usually ranging from 20-feet to 53-feet in the United States).
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final countervailing duty investigation.
2. Petitioners: Coalition of American Chassis Manufacturers (Cheetah Chassis Corporation, Fairless Hills, PA; Hercules Enterprises LLC, Hillsborough, NJ; Pitts Enterprises, Inc., Pittsview, AL; Pratt Industries, Inc., Bridgman, MI; Stoughton Trailers, Stoughton, WI).
3. USITC Institution Date: Thursday, July 30, 2020.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Tuesday, March 16, 2021.
5. USITC Vote Date: Tuesday, April 13, 2021.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Thursday, May 6, 2021.
U.S. Industry in 2020:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 5.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, California, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and 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 2020:
1. Subject imports: 1
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: China, Mexico.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
Phosphate Fertilizers from Morocco and Russia Injure U.S. Industry, Says USITC
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of phosphate fertilizers from Morocco and Russia that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized by the governments of those countries.
Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative. Commissioner David S. Johanson voted in the negative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue countervailing duty orders on imports of phosphate fertilizers from Morocco and Russia.
The Commission’s public report Phosphate Fertilizers from Morocco and Russia (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-650-651 (Final), USITC Publication 5172, March 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by April 13, 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
Phosphate Fertilizers from Morocco and Russia
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-650-651 (Final)
Product Description: Phosphate fertilizers contain essential phosphorus (P) plant nutrient applied annually to some 300 million acres of U.S. cropland. The product is sourced from phosphate ores mined and chemically upgraded to plant available fertilizer compounds. Phosphate fertilizers may contain phosphorus nutrient alone or be combined chemically or physically in solid or liquid forms with the other essential fertilizer nutrients, nitrogen (N) and potassium (K). Diammonium phosphate (DAP), and monoammonium phosphate (MAP) are popular high analysis NP granular multinutrient phosphate fertilizers containing 11 to 18 percent N, and 46 to 52 percent plant available phosphate (P2O5), each used for direct application or in NPK bulk blends. Value-added NP specialty products contain sulfur (S) soil amendments (NPS), and NPS-Zinc with micro or secondary nutrients. Other products having more limited use include single nutrient triple superphosphate (TSP), and single superphosphate (SSP), as well as nitrophosphate products. Excluded are liquid ammonium polyphosphate fertilizers, liquid phosphoric acid product, and non-fertilizer phosphates.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioner: The Mosaic Company, Plymouth, MN.
3. USITC Institution Date: Friday, June 26, 2020.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Tuesday, February 09, 2021.
5. USITC Vote Date: Thursday, March 11, 2021.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Tuesday, March 30, 2021.
U.S. Industry in 2019:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 3.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Wyoming
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: $835 million.
2. Nonsubject imports: $148 million.
3. Leading import sources: Morocco, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
Subsidized Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Resin from India Does Not Injure U.S. Industry, Says USITC
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 polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resin that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized by the government of India.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein voted in the negative. Commissioner Jason E. Kearns did not participate in this investigation.
As a result of the USITC’s negative determination, no countervailing duty order will be issued.
The Commission’s public report Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Resin from India (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-588 and 731-TA-1392-1393 (Final), USITC Publication 4801, July 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.
The report will be available by July 27, 2018; 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
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Resin from India"
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-588 (Final)
Product Description: Polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”) is a crystalline polymer of tetrafluoroethylene (“TFE”) consisting of repeating units of carbon and fluorine (C2F4). The product covered by this investigation is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resin, including but not limited to granular, dispersion, or coagulated dispersion (also known as fine powder). PTFE is covered by the scope 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. 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 from the scope of covered products. PTFE has a variety of end‐use applications due to its chemical inertness, heat and chemical resistance, electrical insulation properties, low coefficient of friction and functionality over a wide temperature range (‐40°C to 260°C). PTFE’s properties make the resin resistant to oxidation and reaction with other chemicals (e.g., strong acids, alkalis, and oxidizing agents). PTFE products include gaskets, seals, linings, packing materials, tubing, and pipe liners, and pipe coatings.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final countervailing duty.
2. Petitioners: The Chemours Company FC, LLC, Wilmington, Delaware.
3. USITC Institution Date: September 28, 2017.
4. USITC Hearing Date: May 17, 2018.
5. USITC Vote Date: June 22, 2018.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: July 6, 2018.
U.S. Industry in 2017:
1. Number of U.S. producers and processors: 8.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, 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 2017:
1. Subject imports: 1
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: Germany and Italy (in terms of value).
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
# # #
Subsidized Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber from China and India Injures U.S. Industry, Says USITC
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of fine denier polyester staple fiber from China and India that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized by the governments of those countries.
Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Meredith M. Broadbent voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the USITC’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from China and India.
The Commission’s public report Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber from China and India (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-579-580 (Final), USITC Publication 4765, March 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by March 28, 2018; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber from China and India
Investigation Nos: 701-TA-579-580 (Final)
Product Description: Fine denier PSF is a manmade fiber, similar in appearance to cotton or wool. The distinguishing physical characteristics of fine denier polyester staple fiber include the denier count (less than 3 denier) and the length of the fiber. Other variable characteristics of fine denier PSF may be the finish ("luster") applied to the fiber, and the "crimp" of the fiber, which impacts the fiber's tenacity, or strength. Fine denier PSF is used for knit, woven, and nonwoven applications. Knit or woven applications include the production of textiles, such as clothing and bed linens. Nonwoven applications include the production of household and hygiene products such as baby wipes, diapers, or coffee filters.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final phase countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: Dak Americas, LLC, Charlotte, NC; Nan Ya Plastics Corporation, America, Lake City, SC; Auriga Polymers Inc., Charlotte, NC.
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, May 31, 2017.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Wednesday, January 17, 2018.
5. USITC Vote Date: Friday, February 16, 2018.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Wednesday, March 07, 2018.
U.S. Industry in 2016:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 5
2. Location of producers’ plants: North Carolina and South Carolina.
3. Production and related workers: 654.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: [1]
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: 1
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 1
U.S. Imports in 2016:
1. Subject imports: 1
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: China, Germany, India.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
# # #
Subsidized Cold-Drawn Mechanical Tubing from China and India 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 cold-drawn mechanical tubing from China and India that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized by the governments of China and India.
Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Meredith M. Broadbent voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the USITC’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from China and India.
The Commission also made a negative finding concerning critical circumstances with regard to imports of this product from China. As a result, subsidized imports of cold-drawn mechanical tubing from China will not be subject to retroactive countervailing duties.
The Commission’s public report Cold-Drawn Mechanical Tubing from China and India (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-576-577 (Final), USITC Publication 4755, January 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by February 14, 2018; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Cold-Drawn Mechanical Tubing from China and India
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-576-577 (Final)
Product Description: The scope of these investigations covers cold-drawn mechanical tubing of carbon and alloy steel of circular cross-section, 304.8 mm or more in length, in actual outside diameters of less than 331 mm, and regardless of wall thickness, surface finish, end finish or industry specification. The subject cold-drawn mechanical tubing has been cold-drawn or otherwise cold-finished after the initial tube formation in a manner that involves a change in the diameter or wall thickness of the tubing, or both, and may be produced from either welded or seamless carbon or alloy steel tubular products.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: ArcelorMittal Tubular Products, Shelby, Ohio; Michigan Seamless Tube LLC, South Lyon, Michigan; PTC Alliance Corp., Wexford, Pennsylvania; Webco Industries Inc., Sand Springs, Oklahoma; and Zekelman Industries Inc., Farrell, Pennsylvania.
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, April 19, 2017.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Wednesday, December 6, 2017.
5. USITC Vote Date: Friday, January 5, 2018.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Wednesday, January 24, 2018.
U.S. Industry in 2016:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 8.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania.
3. Production and related workers: 1,802.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $530.8 million.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: $774.4 million.
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: [1]
U.S. Imports in 2016:
1. Subject imports: 1
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: India, Germany, China, and Switzerland.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.