An official website of the United States government. 
News Release 14-003
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-904
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain acousto-magnetic electronic article surveillance systems, components thereof, and products containing same. The products at issue in this investigation are used in retail stores to deter the theft of merchandise.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Tyco Fire & Security GmbH of Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland; Sensormatic Electronics, LLC, of Boca Raton, FL; and Tyco Integrated Security, LLC, of Boca Raton, FL, on December 11, 2013. A letter supplementing the complaint was filed on December 23, 2013. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain acousto-magnetic electronic article surveillance systems, components thereof, and products containing same that infringe patents asserted by the complainants. The complainants request that the USITC issue a general (or limited) exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:
Ningbo Signatronic Technologies, Ltd., of Ningbo, China;
All-Tag Security Americas, Inc., of Boca Raton, FL;
All-Tag Security Hong Kong Co., Ltd., of Tsuen Wan N.T., Hong Kong;
All-Tag Europe SPRL of Brussels, Belgium;
All-Tag Security UK, Ltd., of Cheshire, United Kingdom;
Best Security Industries of Delray Beach, FL; and
Signatronic Corporation of Boca Raton, FL.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-904), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The USITC's Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC's administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.
The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.
# # #
News Release 12-120
Inv. No(s). 332-525
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Growing Activity Supports At Least 180,000 Jobs
The United States is the world's largest producer, consumer, and exporter of remanufactured goods, reports the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) in its publication Remanufactured Goods: An Overview of the U.S. and Global Industries, Markets, and Trade.
Remanufacturing is an important and growing activity in many industrial sectors and supports at least 180,000 jobs throughout the United States, according to the report. Remanufacturing is the industrial process of restoring end-of-life goods to original working condition.
The USITC recently concluded the investigation for the U.S. Trade Representative. The report, based on survey data, covers the period 2009-11 and focuses on remanufacturing-intensive sectors that account for the majority of remanufacturing activity in the United States.
The report provides an overview of the U.S. remanufactured goods industries and markets, including U.S. remanufacturing production and employment, estimates U.S. and global trade in remanufactured goods, and examines factors affecting trends in remanufactured goods trade. Highlights of the report follow.
- During the period 2009-11, U.S. production of remanufactured goods grew by 15 percent to at least $43 billion, supporting 180,000 full-time jobs. The largest U.S. remanufacturing sectors are aerospace, heavy-duty and off-road equipment, and motor vehicle parts.
- U.S. production, employment, and exports are growing in many remanufacturing sectors but are still small compared with overall U.S. manufacturing activities.
- U.S. exports of remanufactured goods total $11.7 billion in 2011, up 50 percent compared with 2009. Canada, the European Union, and Mexico are important markets for U.S. exports of remanufactured goods. About 40 percent of U.S. remanufactured goods exports went to free trade agreement partners.
- Key factors affecting the competitiveness of U.S. remanufacturers in all sectors and markets are the availability and relative price of cores (the used goods to be remanufactured), transportation and labor costs, the comparative price of remanufactured goods and new goods, the availability of lower-priced new alternatives, and customer perceptions about price and quality.
- Remanufacturing and trade in remanufactured goods and related inputs in many foreign markets are limited. Foreign regulatory barriers are a significant impediment to U.S. and global trade in remanufactured goods. The lack of a common definition of remanufactured goods hampers increased U.S. and global trade in remanufactured goods.
- The United States and the European Union account for the bulk of global remanufacturing activity and trade. Although Brazil, India, and China are developing their own remanufacturing industries in response to growing domestic demand, they tend to restrict trade in remanufactured goods and related inputs the most.
Remanufactured Goods: An Overview of the U.S. and Global Industries, Markets, and Trade (Investigation No. 332-525, USITC Publication 4356, October 2012), will be available on the USITC's Internet site at http://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub4356.pdf. A CD-ROM of the report may be requested by emailing pubrequest@usitc.gov, calling 202-205-2000, or contacting the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may also be faxed at 202-205-2104.
USITC general factfinding investigations, such as this one, cover matters related to tariffs or trade and are generally conducted at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative, the House Committee on Ways and Means, or the Senate Committee on Finance. The resulting reports convey the Commission's objective findings and independent analysis on the subject investigated. The Commission makes no recommendations on policy or other matters in its general factfinding reports. Upon completion of each investigation, the USITC submits its findings and analyses to the requester. General factfinding investigations reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.
News Release 12-117
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1197 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of steel wire garment hangers from Taiwan that the U.S. Department of Commerce has determined are 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 determination, Commerce will issue an antidumping duty order on imports of this product from Taiwan.
The Commission's public report Steel Wire Garment Hangers from Taiwan (Investigation No. 731-TA-1197 (Final), USITC Publication 4363, November 2012) will contain the views of the Commissioners and information developed during the investigation.
Copies may be obtained after December 21, 2012, 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.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Office of Industries
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Steel Wire Garment Hangers from Taiwan
Investigation No. 731-TA-1197 (Final)
Product Description: Steel wire garment hangers are garment hangers fabricated from carbon steel wire, whether or not galvanized or painted, whether or not coated with latex or epoxy or similar gripping materials, and/or whether or not fashioned with paper covers or capes (with or without printing) and/or nonslip features such as saddles or tubes. Steel wire garment hangers in this instance specifically exclude wooden, plastic, and other garment hangers that are not made of steel wire; steel wire garment hangers with swivel hooks; steel wire garment hangers with clips permanently affixed; and chrome-plated steel wire garment hangers with a diameter of 3.4mm or greater. Steel wire garment hangers are principally used by the drycleaning, industrial laundry and uniform rental industries for draping clothes and textiles.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final antidumping.
2. Petitioners: M&B Metal Products Company, Inc., Leeds, AL; Innovative Fabrication LLC /
Indy Hanger, Indianapolis, IN; and US Hanger Company, LLC, Gardena, CA.
3. Investigation instituted by USITC: December 29, 2011.
4. USITC hearing: October 24, 2012.
5. USITC vote: November 15, 2012.
6. USITC notification of Department of Commerce: November 29, 2012.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of U.S. producers in 2011: 6.
2. Location of producers' plants: Alabama, California, Indiana, Nebraska, Puerto Rico, and
Texas.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2011: (1)
4. U.S. producers' U.S. shipments in 2011: (1)
5. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2011: (1)
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption in 2011: (1)
U.S. Imports in 2011:
1. From the subject countries during 2011: $38.7 million.
2. From other countries during 2011: $43.5 million.
3. Leading sources during 2011: Vietnam, Mexico, and China (in terms of total value).
News Release 12-116
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-482-484 (Final), 731-TA-1191-1194 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is not materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of circular welded carbon-quality steel pipe from India, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates that the U.S. Department of Commerce has determined are subsidized, and by imports from India, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam that Commerce has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Commissioners Daniel R. Pearson, Shara L. Aranoff, David S. Johanson, and Meredith Broadbent voted in the negative. Chairman Irving A. Williamson and Commissioner Dean A. Pinkert voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the USITC's negative determinations, no antidumping or countervailing duty orders will be issued.
The Commission's public report Circular Welded Carbon-Quality Steel Pipe from India, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-482-484 and 731-TA-1191- 1194 (Final), USITC Publication 4362, December 2012) will contain the views of the Commissioners and information developed during the investigations.
Copies may be obtained after December 26, 2012, 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.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Office of Industries
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Circular Welded Carbon-Quality Steel Pipe from India, Oman, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-482-484 and 731-TA-l 191-1194 (Final)
Product Description: These investigations cover circular welded carbon-quality steel pipes and tube with an outside diameter not more than 16 inches regardless of wall thickness, surface finish (e.g., bare, galvanized, or painted), or end finish (plain end, beveled end, grooved, threaded, or threaded and coupled). These pipes are generally known as standard pipe, fence pipe and tube, sprinkler pipe, and structural pipe. This description does not include (a) pipe suitable for use in boilers, superheaters, heat exchangers, refining furnaces and feedwater heaters; (b) finished electrical conduit; (c) finished scaffolding; (d) tube and pipe hollows for redrawing; (e) oil country tubular goods produced to American Petroleum Institute (API) specifications; (f) line pipe produced to only API specifications; and (g) mechanical tubing.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Final antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioners: Allied Tube and Conduit, Harvey, IL; JMC Steel Group, Chicago, IL; Wheatland
Tube, Sharon, PA; and United States Steel Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA.
3. Investigations instituted by USITC: October 26, 2011.
4. USITC hearing: October 17, 2012.
5. USITC vote: November 14, 2012.
6. USITC notification of Department of Commerce: December 5, 2012.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of U.S. producers during 2009-11: 20.
2. Location of producers' plants: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Iowa,
Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio,
Pennsylvania, South Carolina (until 2012), and Texas.
3. Employment of production and related workers of circular welded carbon-quality steel pipe in
2011: 1,513.
4. U.S. producers' U.S. shipments of circular welded carbon-quality steel pipe in 2011:
$1.0 billion.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption of circular welded carbon-quality steel pipe in 2011: $1.6 billion.
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption in 2011: 12.1 percent by value.
U.S. Imports in 2011:
1. From subject countries: 206,024 short tons (valued at $190.0 million).
2. From countries not subject to these investigations: 306,372 short tons (valued at
$330.4 million).
3. Leading sources during 2011: Mexico, United Arab Emirates, Korea, India, Vietnam, and
Thailand (by value).
News Release 12-115
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-861
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain cases for portable electronic devices. The products at issue in this investigation are protective cases for electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Speculative Product Design, LLC, of Mountain View, CA, on September 26, 2012. A supplement to the complaint was filed on October 25, 2012. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain cases for portable electronic devices. The complainant requests that the USITC issue an exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:
Anbess Electronics Co. Ltd., of China;
BodyGlove International, LLC, of Redondo Beach, CA;
Fellowes, Inc., of Itsaca, IL;
ROCON Digital Technology Corp. of China;
SW-Box.com aka Cellphonezone Limited of Hong Kong;
Trait Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Limited, d/b/a Trait-Tech, of China; and
Hongkong Wexun Ltd. of China.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-861), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The USITC's Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC's six administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.
The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.
News Release 12-113
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-481 (Final), 731-TA-1190 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells and modules 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 these products from China.
The Commerce Department 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 the Commerce 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, Commissioners Daniel R. Pearson, Shara L. Aranoff, David S. Johanson, and Meredith M. Broadbent voted in the negative. Chairman Irving A. Williamson and Commissioner Dean A. Pinkert voted in the affirmative with respect to critical circumstances.
As a result of the Commission's negative determinations regarding critical circumstances, the antidumping and countervailing duty orders concerning these imports will not apply retroactively to goods that entered the United States prior to the date of publication in the Federal Register of the Department of Commerce's affirmative preliminary determinations.
The Commission's public report Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells and Modules from China (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-481 and 731-TA-1190 (Final), USITC Publication 4360, November 2012) will contain the views of the Commissioners and information developed during the investigations.
Copies may be obtained after December 14, 2012, 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
Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells and Modules from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-481 and 731-TA-1190 (Final)
Product Description: The merchandise covered by this investigation are crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, and modules, laminates, and panels, consisting of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, whether or not partially or fully assembled into other products, including, but not limited to, modules, laminates, panels and building integrated materials. This investigation covers 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. Subject merchandise may be described at the time of importation as parts for final finished products that are assembled after importation, including, but not limited to, modules, laminates, panels, building-integrated modules, building integrated panels, or other finished goods kits. Such parts that otherwise meet the definition of merchandise under consideration are included in the scope of 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 cell. 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. Modules, laminates, and panels produced in a third-country from cells produced in the People's Republic of China are covered by this investigation; however, modules, laminates, and panels produced in China from cells produced in a third country are not covered by this investigation. Merchandise covered by this investigation is currently classified in the Harmonized Tariff System of the United States ( HTSUS'') under subheadings 8501.61.0000, 8507.20.80, 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 investigations: Final antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioner: SolarWorld Industries America, Inc., Hillsboro, OR.
3. Investigations instituted by USITC: October 19, 2011.
4. USITC hearing: October 3, 2012.
5. USITC vote: November 7, 2012.
6. USITC notification of Department of Commerce: November 30, 2012.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 14.
2. Location of producers' cell and module plants: Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia,
Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Tennessee,
Washington, and Wisconsin.
3. Employment of production and related workers of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules in 2011:
1,856.
4. U.S. producers' U.S. shipments of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules in 2011: $790.5 million.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules in 2011: $3.01 billion.
6. Ratio of subject imports from China to apparent U.S. consumption of crystalline silicon
photovoltaic modules in 2011: 57.4 percent.
U.S. Imports in 2011:
1. Quantity of imports of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells and modules from China: 1.5 million
kilowatts.
2. Value of imports of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules from China: $1.9 billion.
News Release 12-110
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-860
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain optoelectronic devices for fiber optic communications, components thereof, and products containing the same. The products at issue in this investigation are vertical cavity surface- emitting lasers ("VCSELs") and VCSEL drivers, and also transceivers and active optical cables that include VCSELs and VCSEL drivers as components.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Avago Technologies Fiber IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., of Singapore; Avago Technologies General IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., of Singapore; and Avago Technologies U.S. Inc. of San Jose, CA, on September 25, 2012. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain optoelectronic devices for fiber optic communications, components thereof, and products containing the same that infringe patents asserted by the complainants. The complainants request that the USITC issue an exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:
IPtronics A/S of Denmark;
IPtronics Inc. of Menlo Park, CA;
FCI USA, LLC, of Etters, PA;
FCI Deutschland GmbH of Germany;
FCI SA of France;
Mellanox Technologies Inc., of Sunnyvale, CA; and
Mellanox Technologies, Ltd. of Israel.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-860), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The USITC's Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC's six administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.
The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.
News Release 12-109
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-859
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain integrated circuit chips and products containing the same. The products at issue in this investigation are generally integrated circuit chips contained in hard disk drives, solid state drives, high-speed communications systems and interfaces, computer servers, data storage systems, controller boards and personal computers.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Realtek Semiconductor Corporation of Taiwan on September 19, 2012. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain integrated circuit chips and products containing the same that infringe patents asserted by Realtek. The complainant requests that the USITC issue an exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:
LSI Corporation of Milpitas, CA; and
Seagate Technology, Inc., of Cupertino, CA.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-859), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The USITC's Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC's six administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.
The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.
News Release 12-108
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-858
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain devices with secure communication capabilities, components thereof, and products containing the same. The products at issue in this investigation are devices with secure communication applications.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by VirnetX, Inc., of Zephyr Cove, NV, and Science Applications International Corporation of McLean, VA, on September 14, 2012. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain devices with secure communication capabilities, components thereof, and products containing the same that infringe a patent asserted by the complainants. The complainants request that the USITC issue an exclusion order and a cease and desist order.
The USITC has identified Apple Inc. of Cupertino, CA, as the respondent in this investigation.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-858), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The USITC's Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC's six administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.
The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.
News Release 12-103
Inv. No(s). 332-537
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has launched an investigation into the global competitiveness of the U.S. commercial olive oil industry.
The investigation, Olive Oil: Conditions of Competition between U.S. and Major Foreign Supplier Industries, was requested by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means in a letter received on September 12, 2012.
In its letter, the Committee stated: "The U.S. commercial olive oil industry has grown rapidly over the last decade, employing modern agriculture technologies and research to capture the growing domestic demand for olive oil.... U.S. consumption of olive oil has increased approximately 40 percent in the past ten years. Although domestic production has increased, the vast majority of U.S. consumption is satisfied by imports."
As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will provide, to the extent practicable, information and analysis on the major suppliers of olive oil, particularly Spain, Italy, and North African countries, as well as the United States. The report will cover the period 2008-2012 and to the extent possible will provide:
- an overview of the commercial olive oil industry in the United States and major supplier countries, including production of olives for olive oil processing, planted acreage and new plantings, processing volumes, processing capacity, carry-over inventory, and consumption;
- information on the international market for olive oil, including U.S. and foreign supplier imports and exports of olive oil in its various forms, olive oil trade between the European Union and North African countries, and a history of the tariff treatment and classification of olive oil;
- a qualitative and, to the extent possible, quantitative assessment of the role of imports, standards and grading, prices, and other factors on olive oil consumption in the U.S. market; and
- a comparison of the competitive strengths and weaknesses of the commercial olive production and olive oil processing industries in the major producing countries and the United States, including factors such as industry structure, input production costs and availability, processing technology, product innovation, government support and other government intervention, exchange rates, and marketing regimes, plus steps each respective industry is taking to increase its competitiveness.
The USITC will submit its report to the Committee by August 12, 2013.
The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation at 10:30 a.m. on December 5, 2012. Requests to appear at the hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on November 14, 2012, with the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. For further information, call 202-205-2000.
The USITC also welcomes written submissions for the record. Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary of the Commission at the above address and should be submitted at the earliest practical date but no later than 5:15 p.m. on February 12, 2013. All written submissions, except for confidential business information, will be available for public inspection.
Further information on the scope of the investigation and appropriate submissions is available in the USITC's notice of investigation, dated October 1, 2012, which can be obtained from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or by contacting the Office of the Secretary at 202-205-2000.
USITC general factfinding investigations, such as this one, cover matters related to tariffs or trade and are generally conducted at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative, the House Committee on Ways and Means, or the Senate Committee on Finance. The resulting reports convey the Commission's objective findings and independent analyses on the subject investigated. The Commission makes no recommendations on policy or other matters in its general factfinding reports. Upon completion of each investigation, the USITC submits its findings and analyses to the requester. General factfinding investigations reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.