May 2, 2014
News Release 14-039
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1206 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Diffusion-Annealed, Nickel-Plated Flat-Rolled Steel Products from Japan Injure U.S. Industry

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 diffusion-annealed, nickel-plated flat-rolled steel products from Japan that the U.S. Department of Commerce has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Chairman Irving A. Williamson and Commissioners Dean A. Pinkert, David S. Johanson, Meredith M. Broadbent, and F. Scott Kieff voted in the affirmative. Commissioner Rhonda K. Schmidtlein did not participate in this investigation.

As a result of the USITC's affirmative determination, an antidumping duty order will be issued on imports of this product from Japan.

The Commission's public report Diffusion-Annealed, Nickel-Plated Flat-Rolled Steel Products from Japan (Investigation No. 731-TA-1206 (Final), USITC Publication 4466, May 2014) will contain the views of the Commissioners and information developed during the investigation.

The report will be available after June 6, 2014. After that date, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp. Copies also may be requested after that date by emailing pubrequest@usitc.gov(link sends email), calling 202-205-2000, or writing to the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may be made by fax at 202-205-2104.


UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Office of Industries
Washington, DC 20436

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Diffusion-Annealed, Nickel-Plated Flat-Rolled Steel Products from Japan
Investigation No. 731-TA-1206 (Final)

Product Description: Diffusion-annealed, nickel-plated steel is a flat-rolled steel product, plated or coated with nickel or with a nickel-based alloy and subsequently annealed. Annealing after nickel-plating causes the formation of a thin layer of iron-nickel alloy between the steel substrate and the nickel coating, which prevents the nickel coating from flaking or separating from the substrate during fabrication operations. The principal application for diffusion-annealed, nickel-plated steel is for the fabrication of cans and end caps of alkaline and lithium batteries. Diffusion-annealed, nickel-plated steel is also used for the manufacture of fuel, power-steering, and other automotive fluid lines.

Status of Proceeding:

1. Type of investigation:  Final antidumping.
2. Petitioner:  Thomas Steel Strip Corporation, Warren, Ohio. 
3. Investigation instituted by the USITC:  March 27, 2013.
4. USITC hearing:  April 1, 2014.
5. USITC vote:  May 2, 2014.
6. Scheduled date for USITC views:  May 16, 2014.


U.S. Industry:

1. Number of producers in 2013:  One.
2. Location of producer's plant:  Ohio.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2013: (1)
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2013: (1)
5. Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2013: (1)

U.S. Imports:

1. From the subject country during 2013: (1)
2. From other countries during 2013: (1)
3. Sources during 2013:  Japan, Germany, and Korea. 

(1) Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.

# # #
April 17, 2014
News Release 14-034
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1214 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Steel Threaded Rod from Thailand 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 steel threaded rod from Thailand that the U.S. Department of Commerce has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Chairman Irving A. Williamson and Commissioners Dean A. Pinkert, David S. Johanson, Meredith M. Broadbent, and F. Scott Kieff voted in the negative.

As a result of the USITC's negative determination, no antidumping duty order will be issued on imports of this product from Thailand.

The Commission's public report Steel Threaded Rod from Thailand (Investigation No. 731-TA- 1214 (Final), USITC Publication 4462, May 2014) will contain the views of the Commissioners and information developed during the investigation.

The report will be available after May 22, 2014. After that date, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp. Copies also may be requested after that date by emailing pubrequest@usitc.gov(link sends email), calling 202-205-2000, or writing to the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may be made by fax at 202-205-2104.


UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Office of Industries
Washington, DC 20436

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Certain Steel Threaded Rod from Thailand
Investigation No. 731-TA-1214 (Final)

Product Description: Certain steel threaded rod, bar, or studs, of carbon quality steel, threaded along greater than 25 percent of its length, with a solid, circular cross section, of any diameter, in any straight length, that has been forged, turned, cold-drawn, cold-rolled, machine straightened, or otherwise cold-finished. This product is primarily used in commercial construction applications to suspend support systems for electrical conduit, pipes for plumbing, HVAC ductwork, sprinkler systems, etc. Normally, one end of the threaded rod is fastened to the ceiling and the other end is fastened to the support that is holding the pipes or ductwork or sprinkler.

Status of Proceedings:

1. Type of investigation: Final antidumping.
2. Petitioners:  All America Threaded Products, Inc., Denver, CO; Bay Standard Manufacturing,
       Inc., Brentwood, CA; and Vulcan Threaded Products, Inc., Pelham, AL.
3. Investigation instituted by USITC:  June 27, 2013.
4. USITC hearing:  March 20, 2014.
5. USITC vote:  April 17, 2014.
6. USITC notification of Department of Commerce:  May 1, 2014.


U.S. Industry:

1. Number of U.S. producers in 2013:  5.
2. Location of producers' plants:  Alabama, California, Colorado, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania,
       and Texas.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2013: (1)
4. U.S. producers' U.S. shipments in 2013: (1)
5. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2013: (1) 
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption in 2013: (1)


U.S. Imports in 2013:

1. From the subject countries during 2013:  India $14.2 million, Thailand $10.5 million.
2. From other countries during 2013:  $29.6 million.
3. Leading sources during 2013:  China, India, and Thailand (in terms of total value).

(1) Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.

# # #
January 21, 2015
News Release 15-007
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-511 and 731-TA-1246-1247 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Certain Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Products from China and Taiwan Injure U.S. Industry, Says USITC

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of certain crystalline silicon photovoltaic products from China and Taiwan that the U.S. Department of Commerce has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value and are subsidized by the government of China.

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 voted in the affirmative with respect to modules from China and Taiwan and in the negative with respect to cells from Taiwan (cells from China were not included in the scope of these investigations).  Commissioner F. Scott Kieff did not participate in these investigations.

As a result of the USITC’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will issue countervailing duty orders on imports of these products from China and antidumping duty orders on imports of these products from China and Taiwan.

The Commission’s public report Certain Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Products from China and Taiwan (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-511 and 731-TA-1246-1247 (Final), USITC Publication 4519, January 2015) will contain the views of the Commissioners and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after February 20, 2015. 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 Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Products from China and Taiwan
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-511 and 731-TA-1246-1247 (Final)

 

Product Description: 

China Scope:

The merchandise covered by this investigation is modules, laminates and/or panels consisting of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, whether or not partially or fully assembled into other products, including building integrated materials. For purposes of this investigation, subject merchandise includes modules, laminates and/or panels assembled in China consisting of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells produced in a customs territory other than China.

Subject merchandise includes modules, laminates and/or panels assembled in China consisting of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells of thickness equal to or greater than 20 micrometers, having a p/n junction formed by any means, whether or not the cell has undergone other processing, including, but not limited to, cleaning, etching, coating, and/or addition of materials (including, but not limited to, metallization and conductor patterns) to collect and forward the electricity that is generated by the cell.

Excluded from the scope of this investigation are thin film photovoltaic products produced from amorphous silicon (a-Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe), or copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS). Also excluded from the scope of this investigation are modules, laminates and/or panels assembled in China, consisting of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, not exceeding 10,000mm2 in surface area, that are permanently integrated into a consumer good whose function is other than power generation and that consumes the electricity generated by the integrated crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells. Where more than one module, laminate and/or panel is permanently integrated into a consumer good, the surface area for purposes of this exclusion shall be the total combined surface area of all modules, laminates and/or panels that are integrated into the consumer good.

Further, also excluded from the scope of this investigation are any products covered by the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled into modules, laminates and/or panels, from China.1

Merchandise covered by this investigation is currently classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under subheadings 8501.61.0000, 8507.20.8030, 8507.20.8040, 8507.20.8060, 8507.20.8090, 8541.40.6020, 8541.40.6030 and 8501.31.8000. These HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes; the written description of the scope of this investigation is dispositive.

 

Taiwan Scope:

The merchandise covered by this investigation is crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, and modules, laminates and/or panels consisting of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, whether or not partially or fully assembled into other products, including building integrated materials.

Subject merchandise includes crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells of thickness equal to or greater than 20 micrometers, having a p/n junction formed by any means, whether or not the cell has undergone other processing, including, but not limited to, cleaning, etching, coating, and/or addition of materials (including, but not limited to, metallization and conductor patterns) to collect and forward the electricity that is generated by the cell.

Modules, laminates, and panels produced in a third-country from cells produced in Taiwan are covered by this investigation. However, modules, laminates, and panels produced in Taiwan from cells produced in a third-country are not covered by this investigation.

Excluded from the scope of this investigation are thin film photovoltaic products produced from amorphous silicon (a-Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe), or copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS). Also excluded from the scope of this investigation are crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, not exceeding 10,000mm2 in surface area, that are permanently integrated into a consumer good whose function is other than power generation and that consumes the electricity generated by the integrated crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells. Where more than one cell is permanently integrated into a consumer good, the surface area for purposes of this exclusion shall be the total combined surface area of all cells that are integrated into the consumer good.

Further, also excluded from the scope of this investigation are any products covered by the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from the People’s Republic of China (“China”). Also excluded from the scope of this investigation are modules, laminates, and panels produced in China from crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells produced in Taiwan that are covered by an existing proceeding on such modules, laminates, and panels from China.

Merchandise covered by this investigation is currently classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under subheadings 8501.61.0000, 8507.20.8030, 8507.20.8040, 8507.20.8060, 8507.20.8090, 8541.40.6020, 8541.40.6030 and 8501.31.8000. These HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes; the written description of the scope of this investigation is dispositive.

Status of Proceedings:

1.      Type of investigation: Final antidumping and countervailing duty.
2.      Petitioner:  SolarWorld Industries America, Inc., Hillsboro, OR.
3.      Investigation instituted by USITC:  December 31, 2013.
4.      USITC hearing: December 8, 2014.
5.      USITC vote: January 21, 2014.
6.      USITC notification of Department of Commerce: February 5, 2015.

U.S. Industry:

1.      Number of U.S. producers in 2013: Nine.
2.      Location of producers’ plants:  Arizona, California, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oregon, Washington.
3.      Employment of production and related workers in 2013 (modules): 768
4.      U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments in 2013 (modules): $207.0 million
5.      Apparent U.S. consumption in 2013 (modules): $2,077.1 million
6.      Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption in 2013 (modules): 82.8

U.S. Imports in 2013:

1.      From the subject countries during 2013 (modules): $1,720.1 million
2.      From other countries during 2013 (modules): $109.5 million
3.      Leading sources during 2013 (modules, alphabetical order): China, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, Singapore, and Taiwan.

 

     1 See Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells, Whether or Not Assembled Into Modules, From the People's Republic of China: Amended Final Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value, and Antidumping Duty Order, 77 FR 73018 (December 7, 2012); Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells, Whether or Not Assembled Into Modules, From the People's Republic of China: Countervailing Duty Order, 77 FR 73017 (December 7, 2012).

# # #
January 20, 2015
News Release 15-006
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1020 (Second Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Barium Carbonate From China

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on barium carbonate 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. 

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 Barium Carbonate from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-1020 (Second Review), USITC Publication 4518, February 2015) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.

The report will be available after February 23, 2015.  After that date, 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 Barium Carbonate from China was instituted on August 1, 2014.

On May 9, 2014, the Commission voted to conduct a full review.  Commissioners David S. Johanson, Meredith M. Broadbent, F. Scott Kieff, and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein concluded that the domestic group response for this review was adequate and that the respondent group response was inadequate, but that circumstances warranted a full review.  Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Dean A. Pinkert concluded that the domestic group response for this review was adequate and that the respondent group response was inadequate, and voted for an expedited review.

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

# # #
September 20, 2013
News Release 13-091
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-491-493, 495, and 497 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Frozen Warmwater Shrimp from China, Ecuador, India, Malaysia, and Vietnam Does Not Injure U.S. Industry, Says USITC

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is neither materially injured nor threatened with material injury by reason of imports of frozen warmwater shrimp from China, Ecuador, India, Malaysia, and Vietnam that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized.

Commissioners Daniel R. Pearson, Dean A. Pinkert, David S. Johanson, and Meredith M. Broadbent voted in the negative. Chairman Irving A. Williamson and Commissioner Shara L. Aranoff voted in the affirmative.

As a result of the USITC's negative determinations, Commerce will not issue countervailing duty orders on imports of these products from China, Ecuador, India, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

The Commission's public report Frozen Warmwater Shrimp from China, Ecuador, India, Malaysia, and Vietnam (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-491-493, 495, and 497 (Final), USITC Publication 4429, October 2013) will contain the views of the Commissioners and information developed during the investigations.

Copies may be obtained after October 22, 2013, by emailing pubrequest@usitc.gov, calling 202- 205-2000, or by writing the Office of the Secretary, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may also be made by fax to 202-205-2104.


FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Frozen Warmwater Shrimp from China, Ecuador, India, Malaysia, and Vietnam
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-491-493, 495, and 497 (Final)

Product Description: Certain frozen warmwater shrimp and prawns, whether wild-caught (ocean
harvested) or farm-raised (produced by aquaculture), head-on or head-off, shell-on or peeled, tail-
on or tail-off, deveined or not deveined, cooked or raw, or otherwise processed in frozen form,
regardless of size. The products described may be processed from any species of warmwater
shrimp and prawns. Frozen shrimp and prawns that are packed with marinade, spices or sauce are
included in the scope. In addition, food preparations (including dusted shrimp), which are not
"prepared meals," that contain more than 20 percent by weight of shrimp or prawn are also
included in the scope. Excluded from the scope are: (1) breaded shrimp and prawns; (2) shrimp and
prawns generally classified in the Pandalidae family and commonly referred to as coldwater
shrimp, in any state of processing; (3) fresh shrimp and prawns whether shell-on or peeled; (4)
shrimp and prawns in prepared meals; (5) dried shrimp and prawns; (6) canned warmwater shrimp
and prawns; and (7) certain "battered shrimp." The predominant end-use for warmwater shrimp
and prawns is human consumption.

Status of Proceedings:

1. Type of investigations:  Final countervailing duty.
2. Petitioner: Coalition of Gulf Shrimp Industries, Biloxi, MS.
3. Investigations instituted by the USITC: December 28, 2012.
4. USITC hearing: August 13, 2013.
5. USITC vote: September 20, 2013.
6. USITC notification to the U.S. Department of Commerce: October 1, 2013.

U.S. Industry:

1. Number of producers (processors) in 2012: 48.
2. Location of producers' plants:  Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi,
   North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2012: 2,050.
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2011: 1.3 billion pounds.
5. Ratio of the value of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption in 2011: 35.7 percent.

U.S. Imports in 2012:

1. From the subject countries during 2012:  $1.9 billion.
2. From other countries during 2012:  $2.4 billion.
3. Leading sources during 2012: Thailand, Indonesia, India, Ecuador, Vietnam, Malaysia,
   China, Mexico (in terms of total value).

# # #
November 5, 2013
News Release 13-108
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-490 and 731-TA-1204 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Hardwood Plywood from China Does Not Injure U.S. Industry, Says USITC

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is neither materially injured nor threatened with material injury by reason of imports of hardwood plywood 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.

Chairman Irving A. Williamson and Commissioners Shara L. Aranoff, Dean A. Pinkert, David S. Johanson, and Meredith M. Broadbent voted in the negative. Commissioner F. Scott Kieff did not participate in these investigations.

As a result of the USITC's negative determinations, no antidumping or countervailing duty orders will be issued.

The Commission's public report Hardwood Plywood from China (Investigation Nos. 701-TA- 490 and 731-TA-1204 (Final), USITC Publication 4434, November 2013) will contain the views of the Commissioners and information developed during the investigations.

Copies may be obtained after December 16, 2013, by emailing pubrequest@usitc.gov(link sends email), calling 202-205-2000, or by writing the Office of the Secretary, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may also be made by fax to 202-205-2104.


UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Office of Industries
Washington, DC 20436

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Hardwood and Decorative Plywood from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-490 and 731-TA-1204 (Final)

Product Description: Hardwood and decorative plywood (hardwood plywood) is a wood panel product made from gluing two or more layers of wood veneer to a core. The core is composed of veneers or other type of wood material such as medium density fiberboard (MDF), particleboard, lumber, or oriented strand board (OSB). The outer ply or face veneer is typically the identifying species for the hardwood plywood product and is the side of the product that will be visible in most uses. The subject product is typically made using hardwood species (e.g., oak, birch, maple, and poplar), but may also be made from softwood species or bamboo. Hardwood plywood is generally used in the manufacturing of furniture, cabinetry, wall paneling, and similar products. The product is typically used in interior applications, although some hardwood plywood is made specifically for marine applications. Specifically excluded from the subject product scope is structural plywood, plywood made with cork faces or backs, multilayered wood flooring manufactured subject to a CVD/AD order, plywood with a shape or design other than a flat panel, and plywood made entirely from bamboo and adhesives.

Status of Proceedings:

1. Type of investigation: Final antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioners:  The Coalition for Fair Trade of Hardwood Plywood and its individual
       members: Columbia Forest Products, Greensboro, NC; Commonwealth Plywood Co.,
       Ltd., Whitehall, NY; Murphy Plywood, Eugene, OR; Roseburg Forest Products Co.,
       Roseburg, OR; States Industries LLC, Eugene, OR; and Timber Products Company,
       Springfield, OR.
3. Investigation instituted by USITC:  September 27, 2012.
4. USITC hearing: September 19, 2013.
5. USITC vote: November 5, 2013.
6. USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: November 25, 2013.


U.S. Industry:

1. Number of U.S. producers in 2013: 8 responding.
2. Location of producers' plants: Arkansas, Illinois, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina,
       Oregon, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. 
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2012: 1,868.       
4. U.S. producers' U.S. shipments in 2012: 642.2 million square feet.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2012: 3,489.8 million square feet.
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption in 2012: 47.9 percent


U.S. Imports in 2012:

1. From the subject country during 2012: $829.0 million.
2. From other countries during 2012: $677.2 million.
3. Leading sources during 2012: China, Russia, Indonesia, and Canada (in terms of total value).

# # #
December 12, 2013
News Release 13-124
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1205 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Silica Bricks and Shapes Do Not Injure U.S. Industry, Says USITC

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is neither materially injured nor threatened with material injury by reason of imports of silica bricks and shapes from China that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value.

All six Commissioners voted in the negative.

As a result of the USITC's negative determination, an antidumping duty order will not be issued.

The Commission's public report Silica Bricks and Shapes from China (Investigation No. 731-TA-1205 (Final), USITC Publication 4443, January 2014) will contain the views of the Commissioners and information developed during the investigation.

Copies may be obtained after January 31, 2014, by emailing pubrequest@usitc.gov(link sends email), calling 202-205-2000, or by writing the Office of the Secretary, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may also be made by fax to 202-205-2104.


UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Office of Industries
Washington, DC 20436

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Silica Bricks and Shapes from China
Investigation No. 731-TA-1205 (Final)

Product Description: Silica bricks and shapes covered by this investigation include all bricks and shapes, regardless of size, containing at least 90 percent silica (also known as silicon dioxide (Si02)), regardless of other materials in the bricks and shapes. These bricks and shapes are used for refractory purposes, primarily in coke ovens and glass furnaces. Noted items not intended for inclusion in this description are fused silica bricks and shapes.

Status of Proceedings:

1. Type of investigation: Final antidumping.
2. Petitioners:  Utah Refractories Corp, Lehi, UT. 
3. Investigation instituted by USITC:  June 20, 2013.
4. USITC hearing: November 21, 2013.
5. USITC vote: December 12, 2013.
6. USITC notification of Department of Commerce: January 10, 2014.

U.S. Industry:

1. Number of U.S. producers in 2012:  One.
2. Location of producers' plants:  Utah. 
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2012: (1)
4. U.S. producers' U.S. shipments in 2012: (1)
5. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2012: (1) 
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption in 2012: (1)

U.S. Imports in 2012:

1. From the subject countries during 2012: (1)
2. From other countries during 2012: (1)
3. Leading sources during 2012: China, Germany, and the Czech Republic.

(1) Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.

# # #
December 15, 2014
News Release 14-124
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-512 and 731-TA-1248 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Carbon and Certain Alloy Steel Wire Rod from China 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 carbon and certain alloy steel wire rod 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.

All six Commissioners voted in the affirmative.

As a result of the USITC's affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from China.

Commerce previously made affirmative critical circumstances determinations in its investigations. Therefore, the Commissioners who made affirmative determinations today are required to determine whether imports covered by Commerce's critical circumstances determinations are likely to undermine seriously the remedial effect of the antidumping and countervailing duty orders Commerce will issue. With respect to critical circumstances, all six Commissioners voted in the negative.

The Commission's public report Carbon and Certain Alloy Steel Wire Rod from China (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-512 and 731-TA-1248 (Final), USITC Publication 4509, December 2014) will contain the views of the Commissioners and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after January 23, 2015. After that date, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.

publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.

 


 

UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Office of Industries
Washington, DC 20436

 

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Carbon and Certain Alloy Steel Wire Rod from China
Inv. Nos. 701-TA-512 and 731-TA-1248 (Final)

Product Description: Steel wire rod is an intermediate product, hot-rolled from carbon steel and alloy steel, in irregularly wound coils, of approximately round cross section, less than 19.00 mm in cross-sectional diameter. Specifically excluded are products with the above-noted physical characteristics that meet the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) definitions for (a) stainless steel; (b) tool steel; (c) high nickel steel; (d) ball bearing steel; or (e) concrete reinforcing bars and rods. Also excluded are free cutting steel (free machining steel) products. Steel wire rod is sold primarily to wire drawers for subsequent drawing and finishing into steel wire.

Status of Proceedings:

1. Type of investigations:  Final antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioners:  ArcelorMittal USA LLC, Chicago, IL; Charter Steel, Saukville, WI; Evraz
       Pueblo, Pueblo, CO; Gerdau Ameristeel US Inc., Tampa, FL; Keystone Consolidated
       Industries Inc., Dallas, TX; and Nucor Corporation, Charlotte, NC. 
3. Investigations instituted by the USITC:  January 31, 2014.
4. USITC hearing:  November 12, 2014.
5. USITC vote:  December 15, 2014.
6. USITC determination issued:  January 2, 2015.

U.S. Industry:

1. Number of producers in 2013: 10.
2. Location of producers' plants:  Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana,
       Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, and
       Wisconsin.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2013:  2,194.
4. U.S. producers' U.S. shipments in 2013:  $2.5 billion.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2013:  $3.8 billion.
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption in 2013:  8.9 percent.

U.S. Imports in 2013:

1. From the subject country during 2013:  $336 million.
2. From other countries during 2013:  $896 million.
3. Leading sources during 2013:  China, Canada, Japan, Brazil, Germany, the United
       Kingdom, and Turkey.

 

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November 12, 2014
News Release 14-114
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-509 and 731-TA-1244 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
1,1,1,2-Tetrafluorethane from China 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 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluorethane ("R-134a") from China that the U.S. Department of Commerce has determined are subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Chairman Meredith M. Broadbent, Vice Chairman Dean A. Pinkert, and Commissioners David S. Johanson and F. Scott Kieff voted in the negative. Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein voted in the affirmative.

As a result of the USITC's negative determinations, no antidumping or countervailing duty orders will be issued on imports of this product from China.

The Commission's public report 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluorethane ("R-134a") from China (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-509 and 731-TA-1244 (Final), USITC Publication 4503, November 2014) will contain the views of the Commissioners and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after December 15, 2014. 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 Nos. 701-TA-509 and 731-TA-1244 (Final)

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 investigations: Final antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioner:  Mexichem Fluor, Inc., St. Gabriel, LA. 
3. Investigations instituted by USITC:  October 22, 2013.
4. USITC hearing:  October 15, 2014.
5. USITC vote:  November 12, 2014.
6. USITC notification of Department of Commerce:  November 24, 2014.

U.S. Industry:

1. Number of U.S. producers in 2013:  3.
2. Location of producers' plants:  Delaware, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania. 
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2013: (1)
4. U.S. producers' U.S. shipments in 2013: (1)
5. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2013: (1) 
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption in 2013: (1)

U.S. Imports in 2013:

1. From the subject country during 2013: (1)
2. From other countries during 2013: (1)
3. Leading source during 2013:  China (in terms of total value).

(1) Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.

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November 6, 2014
News Release 14-112
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-506 and 508 and 731-TA-1238-1243 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Non-Oriented Electrical Steel from China, Germany, Japan, Korea, Sweden, and Taiwan 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 non-oriented electrical steel (NOES) from China, Germany, Japan, Korea, Sweden, and Taiwan that the U.S. Department of Commerce has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value and are subsidized by the governments of China and Taiwan. The Commission made negative critical circumstances findings with respect to NOES from China, Germany, Japan, and Sweden.

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 voted in the negative. Commissioner F. Scott Kieff did not participate in these investigations.

As a result of the USITC's affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will issue countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from China and Taiwan and antidumping duty orders on imports of this product from China, Germany, Japan, Korea, Sweden, and Taiwan.

The Commission's public report Non-Oriented Electrical Steel from China, Germany, Japan, Korea, Sweden, and Taiwan (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-506 and 508 and 731-TA-1238-1243 (Final), USITC Publication 4502, November 2014) will contain the views of the Commissioners and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after December 9, 2014. After that date, it may be accessed on the USITC website at:http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.


 

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Non-Oriented Electrical Steel from China, Germany, Japan, Korea, Sweden, and Taiwan
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-506 and 508 and 731-TA-1238-1243 (Final)

Product Description: Non-oriented electrical steel ("NOES") is a cold-rolled, flat-rolled, alloy steel product, whether or not in coils, of any width, having an actual thickness of 0.20 mm or more, in which the core loss is substantially the same in any direction of magnetization in the plane of the material. NOES contains by weight more than 1.00 percent but less than 3.5 percent of silicon, not more than 0.08 percent of carbon, and not more than 1.5 percent of aluminum. NOES has a surface oxide coating, to which an insulation coating may be applied. NOES is subject to these investigations whether it is fully processed (i.e., fully annealed to develop final magnetic properties) or semi-processed (i.e., finished to final thickness and physical form but not fully annealed to develop final magnetic properties).

Status of Proceedings:

1. Type of investigations: Final antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioner: AK Steel Corp., West Chester, Ohio. 
3. Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC: September 30, 2013.
4. USITC hearing: October 8, 2014.
5. USITC vote: November 6, 2014.
6. Scheduled date for USITC views: November 18, 2014.

U.S. Industry:

1. Number of producers in 2013: One.
2. Location of producer's plants: Ohio and Pennsylvania.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2013: 1/
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2013: 1/
5. Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2013: 1/

U.S. Imports:

1. From the subject countries during 2013: $64.1 million.
2. From other countries during 2013: $5.0 million.
3. Leading sources during 2013: Japan, China, Sweden, Taiwan, Germany, and Korea (in
       terms of total value).

__________________________
1/ Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.

 

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