An official website of the United States government. 
News Release 21-112
Bulletin 163-1
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The unique global trade environment created by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 is a focus of The Year in Trade 2020, released today by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC).
This year’s publication includes highlights of global macroeconomic and trade trends during the pandemic and reports on its impact on key sectors.
The USITC's The Year in Trade, published annually, is one of the government's most comprehensive reports regarding activities related to U.S. trade policies, agreements, and trade laws. This report is the 72nd in a series of annual reports submitted to the U.S. Congress under section 163(c) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2213(c)) and its predecessor legislation.
In addition to the global pandemic overview, The Year in Trade 2020 reviews:
- U.S. international trade laws and actions under these laws, including U.S. antidumping, countervailing duty, safeguard, intellectual property rights infringement, national security, and section 301 cases active in 2020;
- the operation of U.S. trade preference programs, including the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences, the African Growth and Opportunity Act, the Nepal Trade Preferences Act, and the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, including initiatives for Haiti;
- World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement decisions and other significant activities in the WTO, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, and under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreements;
- negotiations on agreements with Japan, Kenya, the European Union, and the United Kingdom; the implementation of the United States-Canada-Mexico Agreement; and developments regarding the North American Free Trade Agreement and other U.S. FTAs already in effect; and
- bilateral trade issues with selected major U.S. trading partners -- the European Union, China, Mexico, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and India.
The report also provides an overview of U.S. trade in goods and services during 2020. Statistical tables highlight U.S. bilateral trade with major trading partners and trade under U.S. trade preference programs and FTAs.
The Year in Trade 2020 (USITC Publication 5228, September 2021) will be posted on the USITC's Internet site at https://www.usitc.gov/sites/default/files/publications/332/pub5228.pdf.
A set of interactive, web-based presentations of underlying data is also available at:
- Appendix A - https://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/yit_appendixa2020.html
- Trade Balance - https://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/yit_tradebalance2020.html
- Sector - https://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/yit_sidebysidedonut.html
News Release 21-111
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1280
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain laptops, desktops, servers, mobile phones, tablets, 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 Sonrai Memory Ltd. of Dublin, Ireland, on August 2, 2021. An amended complaint was filed on August 6, 2021. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain laptops, desktops, servers, mobile phones, tablets, 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 as respondents in this investigation:
Amazon.com, Inc., of Seattle, WA;
Dell Technologies Inc. of Round Rock, TX;
EMC Corporation of Round Rock, TX;
Lenovo Group Ltd. of Beijing, China;
Lenovo (United States) Inc. of Morrisville, NC;
Motorola Mobility LLC of Chicago, IL;
LG Electronics Inc. of Seoul, South Korea;
LG Electronics USA, Inc., of Englewood Cliffs, NJ;
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., of Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea; and
Samsung Electronics America, Inc., of Ridgefield Park, NJ.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1280), 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 21-109
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1278
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain radio frequency transmission devices 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 Zebra Technologies Corporation of Lincolnshire, IL, on July 28, 2021. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain radio frequency transmission devices and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order.
The USITC has identified OnAsset Intelligence, Inc., of Irving, TX, as the respondent in this investigation.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1278), 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 21-108
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1277
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain smart thermostats, load control switches, 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 Causam Enterprises, Inc., of Raleigh, NC, on July 28, 2021. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain smart thermostats, load control switches, 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 as respondents in this investigation:
Alarm.com Holdings, Inc. of Tysons, VA;
Alarm.com Inc. of Tysons, VA;
Ecobee, Inc. of Canada;
EnergyHub, Inc. of Brooklyn, NY;
Itron, Inc. of Liberty Lake, WA;
Itron Distributed Energy Management, Inc. of Liberty Lake, WA;
Resideo Smart Homes Technology (Tianjin) of China;
Resideo Technologies, Inc. of Austin, TX; and
Xylem Inc. of Rye Brook, NY.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1277), 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 21-107
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1535-1536 (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 methionine from Japan and Spain that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping duty orders on imports of this product from Japan and Spain.
The Commission also made a negative critical circumstances finding with regard to imports of this product from Spain. As a result, these imports will not be subject to retroactive antidumping duties.
The Commission’s public report Methionine from Japan and Spain (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1535-1536 (Final), USITC Publication 5230, September 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by September 28, 2021; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Methionine from Japan and Spain
Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1535-1536 (Final)
Product Description: Methionine (an organic amino acid) and methionine hydroxy analogue (an organic acid) are primarily used in animal feed and aquaculture.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final antidumping duty investigations.
2. Petitioner: Novus International, Inc., St. Charles, MO.
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2020.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Tuesday, May 11, 2021.
5. USITC Vote Date: Tuesday, August 24, 2021.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Tuesday, September 7, 2021.
U.S. Industry in 2020:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 2.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, Arkansas, and Texas.
3. Production and related workers: [1]
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: 1
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: 1
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 1
U.S. Imports in 2020:
1. Subject imports: $126 million.
2. Nonsubject imports: $13 million.
3. Leading import sources: Spain, Japan, France, and Malaysia.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 21-106
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-469 and 731-TA-1168 (Second Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of certain seamless carbon and alloy steel standard, line, and pressure pipe from China would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the existing orders on imports of this product from China will remain in place.
Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.
Today’s action comes under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. See the attached page for background on these five-year (sunset) reviews.
The Commission’s public report Certain Seamless Carbon and Alloy Steel Standard, Line, and Pressure Pipe from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-469 and 731-TA-1168 (Second Review), USITC Publication 5229, September 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.
The report will be available by September 22, 2021; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
BACKGROUND
The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time.
The Commission’s institution notice in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file responses with the Commission concerning the likely effects of revoking the order under review as well as other information. Generally within 95 days from institution, the Commission will determine whether the responses it has received reflect an adequate or inadequate level of interest in a full review. If responses to the USITC’s notice of institution are adequate, or if other circumstances warrant a full review, the Commission conducts a full review, which includes a public hearing and issuance of questionnaires.
The Commission generally does not hold a hearing or conduct further investigative activities in expedited reviews. Commissioners base their injury determination in expedited reviews on the facts available, including the Commission’s prior injury and review determinations, responses received to its notice of institution, data collected by staff in connection with the review, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.
The five-year (sunset) reviews concerning Certain Seamless Carbon and Alloy Steel Standard, Line, and Pressure Pipe from China were instituted on February 1, 2021.
On May 7, 2021, the Commission voted to conduct expedited reviews. Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group responses were inadequate and voted for expedited reviews.
A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct expedited reviews is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.
News Release 21-105
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1276
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain light-based physiological measurement devices 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 Masimo Corporation of Irvine, CA, and Cercacor Laboratories, Inc., of Irvine, CA, on June 30, 2021, and amended on July 12, 2021. The amended complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain light-based physiological measurement devices and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainants. The complainants request that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
The USITC has identified Apple, Inc., of Cupertino, CA, as the respondent in this investigation.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1276), 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 21-104
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1567-1569 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) from France, Korea, and Mexico that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue its investigations of imports of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) from France, Korea, and Mexico, with its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about December 7, 2021.
The Commission’s public report Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber (NBR) from France, Korea, and Mexico (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1567-1569 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5227, August 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after September 13, 2021; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber (NBR) from France, Korea and Mexico
Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1567-1569 (Preliminary)
Product Description: The product covered by these investigations is commonly referred to as acrylonitrile butadiene rubber or nitrile rubber, a synthetic rubber produced by the emulsion polymerization of butadiene and acrylonitrile with or without the incorporation of a third component selected from methacrylic acid or isoprene. Coverage includes the product in solid or non-aqueous liquid form and includes carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber. The product is sold to customers who use it in downstream production of various products. It is most used in applications where a moderate level of heat and oil or fuel resistance is required, such as applications in the industrial hose, automotive, and the oil and gas industries. Downstream product applications include, but are not limited to, hoses, air ducts, oil and gas components, construction insulation, adhesives, mats, wires and cables, and seals for automotive and industrial use.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary antidumping duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: Zeon Chemicals L.P., Louisville, KY; Zeon GP, LLC, Louisville, KY (collectively "Zeon").
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, June 30, 2021.
4. USITC Conference Date: Wednesday, July 21, 2021.
5. USITC Vote Date: Friday, August 13, 2021.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Monday, August 16, 2021.
U.S. Industry in 2020:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 1.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Kentucky.
3. Production and related workers: [1]
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: 1
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: 1
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 1
U.S. Imports in 2020:
1. Subject imports: $56.4 million.
2. Nonsubject imports: $30.4 million.
3. Leading import sources: France, Japan, Korea, and Mexico.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 21-103
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-668-669 and 731-TA-1565-1566 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of urea ammonium nitrate solutions from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue its investigations of imports of urea ammonium nitrate solutions from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago, with its preliminary countervailing duty determinations due on or about September 23, 2021, and its antidumping duty determinations due on or about December 7, 2021.
The Commission’s public report Urea Ammonium Nitrate Solutions from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-668-669 and 731-TA-1565-1566 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5226, August 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after September 13, 2021; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Urea Ammonium Nitrate (UAN) Solutions from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-668-669 and 731-TA-1565-1566 (Preliminary)
Product Description: Urea Ammonium Nitrate Solutions (UAN) are popular large volume aqueous liquid mixtures of the nitrogen fertilizers organic urea [CO(NH2)2] and inorganic ammonium nitrate, (NH4NO3). The product contains a solution of 28 to 32 percent plant available nitrogen (N) by weight in 20 to 30 percent water, the 32 percent N grade preferred due to its higher N analysis and transportation economics. The product is mildly acidic and contains a corrosion inhibitor additive. UAN is a preferred liquid nitrogen fertilizer because of its safe handling and versatile crop nutrient profile. Ammonium nitrate is a fast-acting inorganic fertilizer ideal for fertilization of emerging crops, while urea provides a more sustained slower release fertilization. Half of the total plant available N content of UAN solution comes from ammonium nitrate, and the other half from urea. Additionally, UAN can be blended with essential multinutrient liquid solutions of phosphate and potassium, together with pesticides, further providing efficiency in a single application. UAN is popularly used across the United States and Europe where applicable infrastructure is available to fertilize a variety of row crops and other plant species by direct spray or sidedressing, irrigation or foliar fertilization. UAN primary feedstock is ammonia (NH3) derived from natural gas (CH4) and atmospheric nitrogen (N2).
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary countervailing duty and antidumping duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: CF Industries Nitrogen, LLC and its subsidiaries, Terra Nitrogen, Limited Partnership and Terra International (Oklahoma) LLC, all of Deerfield, IL.
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, June 30, 2021.
4. USITC Conference Date: Wednesday, July 21, 2021.
5. USITC Vote Date: Friday, August 13, 2021.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Monday, August 16, 2021.
U.S. Industry in 2020:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 8.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming.
3. Production and related workers: 1,434.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $1.8 billion.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: $2.1 billion.
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 14.4 percent by volume.
U.S. Imports in 2020:
1. Subject imports: $297 million.
2. Nonsubject imports: $92 million.
3. Leading import sources: Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, the Netherlands, and Egypt.
News Release 21-102
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1275
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain networking devices, computers, 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 Proven Networks, LLC, of Los Angeles, CA, on June 1, 2021. The complaint was amended on July 11, 2021, and the amended complaint was supplemented on July 27, 2021. The amended complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain networking devices, computers, 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 F5 Networks, Inc., of Seattle, WA, as the respondent in this investigation.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1275), 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.