January 16, 2025
News Release 25-006
Contact: Claire Huber, 202-205-1819
Commissioner Rhonda K. Schmidtlein to Leave the U.S. International Trade Commission

The United States International Trade Commission (Commission) today announced that Commissioner Rhonda K. Schmidtlein will step down from the Commission on February 1, 2025. She will enter the private sector after leaving the Commission.

Commissioner Schmidtlein was nominated to the Commission by President Barack Obama and was sworn in on April 28, 2014, for the term expiring on December 16, 2021. She led the Commission as Chair from January 13, 2017, through June 16, 2018.

Before joining the agency, Commissioner Schmidtlein held several high-profile roles at the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the U.S. Department of Justice and the World Bank.

“Serving as Chair and as a Commissioner has been one of the greatest honors of my career. During my time in office, I have had the privilege of working alongside dedicated colleagues and passionate public servants with deep expertise, all committed to excellence in their work and making a positive impact on the mission of the International Trade Commission and the American public. I will always value the collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment to the public interest that defines the people who work at the U.S. International Trade Commission,” Commissioner Schmidtlein said.

“Commissioner Schmidtlein has been an integral part of the agency for the last 11 years and has made enduring contributions in that time that have both strengthened the institution and the quality of its work,” said Chair Amy A. Karpel. “Her counsel, judgement and leadership have been invaluable to the Commission and me. We thank her for her long and distinguished career in public service and wish her the best as she moves to private practice.”

The USITC is an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency. The agency investigates and makes determinations in proceedings involving imports claimed to injure a domestic industry or violate U.S. intellectual property rights; provides independent analysis and information on tariffs, trade and competitiveness to the President and the Congress; and maintains the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
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January 16, 2025
News Release 25-005
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1431
Contact: Jennifer Andberg, 202-205-1819
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Nanolaminate Alloy Coated Metal Parts and Products Containing the Same

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain nanolaminate alloy coated metal parts and products containing the same. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Modumetal, Inc. of Snohomish WA, on November 19, 2024 and supplement on December 4, 2024. The complaint, as supplemented, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain nanolaminate alloy coated metal parts and products containing the same that infringe patents asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders. 

The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1431), 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.

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January 6, 2025
News Release 25-001
Inv. No(s). 337-1430
Contact: Jennifer Andberg, 202-205-1819
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Urine Splash Guards and Components Thereof

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain urine splash guards and components thereof. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by For Kids By Parents, Inc. of Potomac, MD, on December 6, 2024. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain urine splash guards and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a general exclusion order, or in the alternative a limited exclusion order, and cease and desist orders. 

The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:

  • Shenzhenshi Dijaaotuman Trading Co., Ltd (d/b/a Tigaman), Shenzhen, China
  • Junyaxincaiwuzixunyouxiangongsi (d/b/a junyxin), Xiamen City, China
  • Hezeyunjiangjixieshebeiyouxiangongsi (d/b/a Maomoahouse), Shenzhen, China
  • Shenzhenshiranbodianziyouxiangongsi (d/b/a Eurbus), Shenzhen, China
  • Hefeiweifengshidaishidaimaoyiyouxiangongsi (d/b/a HealthSTEC), Hefei City, China
  • ShenzhenShi Julonghui Trading Co., Ltd. (d/b/a Edermurs), Shenzhen, China
  • Shenzhenshi Lishian Keji Youxiangongsi (d/b/a Lishian), Shenzhen, China
  • Shenzhenshi Paisi Industrial Co., Ltd. (d/b/a Sunyoka123), Shenzhen, China, 
  • Guangzhou Lesenyu Dianzishangwu Youxiangongsi (d/b/a Le Sengyu), Guangzhou, China, and
  • Shenzhen Sibaite Industrial Co., Ltd. (d/b/a SeLucky), Shenzhen City, China.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1430), 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.

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December 20, 2024
News Release 24-126
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1429
Contact: Jennifer Andberg, 202-205-1819
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Wireless Communication Devices and Components Thereof

Yesterday, December 19, 2024, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain smart televisions. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by International Semiconductor Group Co., Ltd. of Seoul, Korea, on November 18, 2024 and supplemented on December 6, 2024. The complaint, as supplemented, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain wireless communication devices and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders. 

The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:

  • Dell Technologies Inc., Round Rock, TX 
  • Dell Products L.P., Round Rock, TX 
  • Dell (Chengdu) Co. Ltd., Sichuan, China
  • HP, Inc., Palo Alto, CA
  • Lenovo Group Limited, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong, and
  • Lenovo (United States) Inc., Morrisville, NC

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1429), 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.

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December 12, 2024
News Release 24-124
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1428
Contact: Jennifer Andberg, 202-205-1819
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Women’s Flats with Colored Outsoles Thereof

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain women’s flats with colored outsoles thereof. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Gavrieli Brands LLC of Culver City, California on November 13, 2024.  The complaint was amended on November 20, 2024, and the amended complaint was supplemented by letter on December 2, 2024. The complaint, as amended and supplemented, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain women’s flats with colored outsoles thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainant and that infringe an asserted trade dress The complainant requests that the USITC issue a general exclusion order, or in the alternative a limited exclusion order, and cease and desist orders. 

The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:

  • Kijera’s OneDrop LLC, New York, NY
  • Craze, Essel Park, Philippines
  • Pierjeda Information Technology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China
  • Shengze Trading Company, Zhangshou City, China
  • Guangzhou Shun Cheng Trading Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China
  • Kunming Ouxiang Trading Co., Ltd., Kunming City, China
  • Huihui Bianan, Beijing, China
  • Bingxin Qingfeng, Zhongshan City, China
  • Baiqiuju1983, Zhongshan City, China
  • tb249835650, Zhongshan City, China
  • Yuyoufang Foreign Trade Store, Zhongshan City, China
  • Xu Wenping 123,Zhongshan City, China
  • Ynwll, Beijing, China

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1428), 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.

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December 12, 2024
News Release 24-123
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1427
Contact: Jennifer Andberg, 202-205-1819
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Injection Molding Machines, and Products Containing the Same

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain injection molding machines, and products containing the same. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.

The investigation is based on a complaint, as amended filed by Husky Injection Molding Systems LTD. of Ontario, Canada and Husky Injection Molding Systems, Inc. of Milton, Vermont on November 12, 2024, and supplemented on December 2, 2024. The complaint, as supplemented, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain components for injection molding machines, and products containing the same that infringe patents asserted by the complainants. The complainants request that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and issue cease and desist orders. 

The USITC has identified NINGBO AO SHENG MOLD CO., LTD., d/b/a AOSIMI of Zhejiang, China as the respondent in this investigation.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1427), 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.

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November 15, 2024
News Release 24-113
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1424
Contact: Jennifer Andberg, 202-205-1819
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Flash-Spun Nonwoven Materials and Products Containing Same

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain flash-spun nonwoven materials and products containing same. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by DuPont de Nemours, Inc. of Wilmington, DE,  DuPont Safety & Construction, Inc. of Wilmington, DE, and DuPont Specialty Products USA, LLC of Wilmington, DE, on October 9, 2024 and supplemented on October 29, 2024. The complaint, as supplemented, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain flash-spun nonwoven materials and products containing same by reason of misappropriation of complainants’ trade secrets, wrongful use and exploitation of stolen confidential and proprietary information, and infringement of trademarks asserted by the complainants. The complainants request that the USITC issue a general exclusion order, or in the alternative a limited exclusion order, and cease and desist orders. 

The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:

  • Xiamen Dangs New-Materials Co., Ltd., AKA Dawnsens New Materials Co., Ltd., Xiamen, China 
  • Beijing Dangsheng Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
  • Xiamen Dangsheng Technology Co., Ltd., Xiamen, China
  • Kingwills New Material Technology Co., Ltd., Nantong, China
  • Zhejiang Qingyun New Material Co., Ltd., Jiaxing, China
  • Jiangsu Qingyun New Materials Co., Ltd., AKA Jiangsu Kingwills New Materials Co., Ltd., Nantong, China
  • Shanghai Qingyun New Material Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
  • Kingwills International Ltd., Kowloon, Hong Kong
  • Harbourpoint Innovations Inc, Raleigh, NC
  • Impak Corporation, Los Angeles, CA
  • Shenzhen Zhengming Science and Technology Co., Ltd., Huizhou, China
  • Weifang Konzer Safety Protective Equipment Co., Ltd., Anqiu, China
  • Jiangsu Tubo New Material Co., Ltd., Kunshan, China
  • Emedia Group. Inc., Greenville, SC
  • endur-tec, LLC, Anderson, SC
  • Hangzhou Several Sets of Electronic Commerce Co., Ltd., Yuhang, China
  • Hangzhou Qiao Shell Digital Technology Co., Ltd., Yuhang, China
  • Zhenping County Weihe Commerce and Trade Co., Ltd., Zhenping, China

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1424), 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.

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November 14, 2024
News Release 24-111
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-603-604 and 731-TA-1413 -1415
Contact: Jennifer Andberg, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determinations in Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Glycine from China, India, Japan, and Thailand

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty orders on glycine from  India, Japan, and Thailand, and the countervailing duty orders on glycine from China and India 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 these products from China, India, Japan, and Thailand will remain in place. 

Chair Amy A. Karpel and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns 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 Glycine from China, India, Japan, and Thailand (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-603-604 and 731-TA-1413-1415 (Review), USITC Publication 5564, November 2024) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.

The report will be available by December 20, 2024; 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 reviews, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.

The five-year (sunset) reviews concerning Glycine from China, India, Japan, and Thailand were instituted on May 1, 2024.

On August 5, 2024, the Commission determined to conduct expedited five-year reviews. Chair Amy A. Karpel and Commissioners David S. Johanson and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein concluded that the domestic interested party group response was adequate and the respondent interested party group responses were inadequate, and voted for expedited reviews. Commissioner Jason E. Kearns did not participate in the adequacy vote.

A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct expedited reviews is available on the investigations page for  Glycine from China, India, Japan, and Thailand; Inv. No. 701-TA-603-604 and 731-TA-1413-1415 (Review). 

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November 13, 2024
News Release 24-109
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1423
Contact: Jennifer Andberg, 202-205-1819
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Electronic Eyewear Products, Components Thereof, and Related Charging Apparatuses

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain electronic eyewear products, components thereof, and related charging apparatuses. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by IngenioSpec, LLC of San Jose, CA on October 10, 2024. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain electronic eyewear products, components thereof, and related charging apparatuses containing same that infringe patents asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders. 

The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:

  • ByteDance, Ltd. Beijing, China
  • ByteDance Inc., Wilmington, DE
  • Qingdao Chuangjian Weilai Technology Co., Ltd., Quindao City, China
  • Funnico Inc., San Jose, CA
  • PICO Immersive Pte, Ltd., Singapore
  • HTC Corporation, Taoyuan, City, Taiwan
  • HTC Europe Co Ltd., Berkshire, UK
  • HTC Poland SP Z O.O., Warszawa, Poland 
  • Meta Platforms, Inc., Menlo Park, CA
  • Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC, Menlo Park, CA
  • Meta Platforms Technologies Ireland Ltd., Dublin, Ireland
  • Meta Platforms Technologies UK Ltd., London, United Kingdom
  • Valve Corporation, Bellevue, WA
  • Valve GmbH Corporation, Hamburg, Germany

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1423), 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.

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November 8, 2024
News Release 24-108
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1658
Contact: Jennifer Andberg, 202-205-1819
Truck and Bus Tires from Thailand 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 truck and bus tires from Thailand that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Chair Amy A. Karpel and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative.

The Commission made a negative critical circumstances finding with regard to imports of this product from Thailand.

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determination, Commerce will issue an antidumping duty order on imports of this product from Thailand.

The Commission’s public report Truck and Bus Tires from Thailand (Inv. No.731-TA-1658 (Final), USITC Publication 5562, November 2024) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.

The report will be available by December 23, 2024; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.

Status of the proceeding, links to relevant documents, and additional information for this investigation can be found at the Commission’s Investigations Database System (IDS).

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