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News Release 20-110
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-502 and 731-TA-1227 (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 steel concrete reinforcing bar from Mexico and Turkey 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 Mexico and Turkey 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 Steel Concrete Reinforcing Bar from Mexico and Turkey (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-502 and 731-TA-1227 (Review), USITC Publication 5122, October 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.
The report will be available by October 28, 2020; 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 Steel Concrete Reinforcing Bar from Mexico and Turkey were instituted on October 1, 2019.
On January 6, 2020, the Commission voted to conduct full reviews. Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel concluded that both the domestic and the respondent group responses were adequate and voted for full reviews.
A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct full 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 20-109
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-657 and 731-TA-1537 (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 chassis and subassemblies from China 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 chassis and subassemblies from China, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about October 23, 2020, and its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about January 6, 2021.
The Commission’s public report Chassis and Subassemblies from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-657 and 731-TA-1537 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5119, September 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after October 13, 2020; 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
Chassis and Subassemblies from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-657 and 731-TA-1537 (Preliminary)
Product Description: Chassis are skeletal rectangular framed trailers used to transport shipping containers. The rectangular frame is made up of steel with a suspension and axle system, wheels and tires, brakes, a lighting and electrical system, a coupling for towing behind a truck tractor, and a locking system or systems to secure the shipping container or containers attached to the chassis. Chassis are designed to carry containers of various sizes (usually ranging from 20-feet to 53-feet in the United States).
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary countervailing duty and antidumping duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: Coalition of American Chassis Manufacturers (Cheetah Chassis Corporation, Fairless Hills, PA; Hercules Enterprises LLC, Hillsborough, NJ; Pitts Enterprises, Inc., Pittsview, AL; Pratt Industries, Inc., Bridgman, MI; Stoughton Trailers, Stoughton, WI.)
3. USITC Institution Date: Thursday, July 30, 2020.
4. USITC Conference Date: Thursday, August 20, 2020.
5. USITC Vote Date: Friday, September 11, 2020.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Monday, September 14, 2020.
U.S. Industry in 2019:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 5.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Wisconsin.
3. Production and related workers: [1]
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: 1
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: 1
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 1
U.S. Imports in 2019:
1. Subject imports: 1
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: China, Mexico.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 20-108
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1534-1536 (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 methionine from France, Japan, and Spain 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 methionine from France, Japan, and Spain, with its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about January 5, 2021.
The Commission’s public report Methionine from France, Japan, and Spain (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1534-1536 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5120, September 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after October 13, 2020; 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
Methionine from France, Japan, and Spain
Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1534-1536 (Preliminary)
Product Description: Methionine, an organic chemical, is an essential amino acid. Methionine hydroxy analogues (MHA) are organic acids. The forms of methionine and MHA identified in the scope are primarily used in animal feed preparations (e.g., poultry and swine) and aquaculture.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary antidumping duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: Novus International, Inc., St. Charles, MO.
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2020.
4. USITC Conference Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2020.
5. USITC Vote Date: Friday, September 11, 2020.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Monday, September 14, 2020.
U.S. Industry in 2019:
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 2019:
1. Subject imports: $106.2 million.
2. Nonsubject imports: $19.4 million.
3. Leading import sources: France, Japan, Spain, and Malaysia.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 20-107
Inv. No(s). 332-345
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Shifts in U.S. Merchandise Trade 2019 (2019 Trade Shifts) is now available on the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) internet site.
The USITC, an independent, nonpartisan factfinding federal agency, produces its web-based comprehensive review of changes in U.S. trade patterns annually.
2019 Trade Shifts includes new interactive features, such as tables and graphics that allow users to view and refine, as they choose, the official government data presented. The report highlights changes in U.S. exports and imports by sector and select trading partners in terms of absolute value changes, relative percent changes, and changes in rank.
Highlights from the 2019 Trade Shifts report include:
- In 2019, U.S. total exports and general imports both decreased though both were still above 2017 levels. Since U.S. imports fell more than U.S. exports, the overall merchandise trade deficit narrowed slightly.
- U.S. total exports in two-thirds of merchandise sectors decreased from 2018 to 2019. The largest decreases in U.S. total exports were seen in the minerals and metals sector. The largest decrease in U.S. general imports by both absolute and percent change occurred in energy-related products.
- Mexico, Canada, and China continued to be the main U.S. trading partners in 2019, consistent with past reports. China continued to be the top source of U.S. imports and remained the third largest destination market for U.S. exports. The largest destination markets for U.S. exports, however, were Canada and Mexico. Combined, U.S. exports to these two countries accounted for one-third of all U.S. exports of merchandise in 2019.
Shifts in U.S. Merchandise Trade 2019 can be accessed at https://www.usitc.gov/research_and_analysis/trade_shifts_2019/index.htm.
News Release 20-106
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1219
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain non-invasive aesthetic body-contouring devices, components thereof, and methods of using 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 BTL Industries, Inc., of Marlborough, MA, on August 5, 2020. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain non-invasive aesthetic body-contouring devices, components thereof, and methods of using 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:
Allergan Limited of Dublin, Ireland;
Allergan USA, Inc., of Madison, NJ;
Allergan, Inc., of Madison, NJ;
Zeltiq Aesthetics, Inc., of Pleasanton, CA;
Zeltiq Ireland Unlimited Company of Galway, Ireland; and
Zimmer MedizinSysteme GmbH of Neu-Ulm, Germany.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1219), 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 20-105
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1218
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain variable speed wind turbine generators 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 General Electric Company of Boston, MA, on July 31, 2020. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain variable speed wind turbine generators 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:
Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy Inc. of Orlando, FL;
Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy A/S of Brande, Denmark; and
Gamesa Electric, S.A.U., of Zamudio, BI, Spain.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1218), 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 20-104
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1217
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain blowers 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 Regal Beloit America, Inc., of Beloit, WI, on July 31, 2020. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain blowers and components thereof that infringe a patent 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:
East West Manufacturing, LLC, of Atlanta, GA; and
East West Industries of Thu Dau Mot City, Binh Duong, Vietnam.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1217), 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 20-103
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today released The Year in Trade 2019, its annual overview of developments regarding the administration of U.S. trade laws and trade agreements.
The USITC's The Year in Trade is one of the government's most comprehensive reports available regarding activities related to U.S. trade policies, agreements, and trade laws. This report is the 71st 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.
The publication reviews U.S. international trade laws and actions under these laws, activities of the World Trade Organization (WTO), and developments regarding U.S. free trade agreements (FTAs), FTA negotiations, and U.S. bilateral trade relations with major trading partners in 2019.
The Year in Trade 2019 covers:
- all U.S. antidumping, countervailing duty, safeguard, intellectual property rights infringement, national security, and section 301 cases active in 2019. In addition, the 2019 report covers 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;
- 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;
- negotiations on U.S. FTAs with Japan, the European Union, and the United Kingdom; negotiations on modifications to the U.S.-Korea FTA and 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, Mexico, Canada, China, Japan, South Korea, India, and Taiwan.
The report also provides an overview of U.S. trade in goods and services during 2019. Statistical tables highlight U.S. bilateral trade with major trading partners and trade under U.S. trade preference programs and FTAs.
An interactive, web-based version of The Year in Trade 2019 is also available at https://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/tradebalance.html and https://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/appendixa.html.
The Year in Trade 2019 (USITC Publication 5055, August 2020) will be posted on the USITC's Internet site at https://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub5055.pdf.
Other reports in this series dating back to 1948 can also be found on the Commission's website at https://www.usitc.gov/annual_reports_archive.
News Release 20-102
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1216
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain vacuum insulated flasks 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 Steel Technology LLC d/b/a Hydro Flask of Bend, OR, and Helen of Troy Limited of El Paso, TX, on July 29, 2020. A supplement to the complaint was filed on August 18, 2020. 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 vacuum insulated flasks and components thereof that infringe patents and registered 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 as respondents in this investigation:
Everich and Tomic Houseware Co., Ltd., of Hangzhou, China;
Cangnan Kaiyisi E-Commerce Technology Co., Ltd., of Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China;
Shenzhen Huichengyuan Technology Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China;
Sinbada Impex Co., Ltd., of Hefei, Anhui, China;
Yongkang Huiyun Commodity Co., Ltd., of Jinhua, Zhejiang, China;
Wuyi Loncin Bottle Co., Limited, of Jinhua, Zhejiang, China;
Yiwu Honglu Daily Necessities Co., Ltd., Yiwu City, Zhejiang, China;
Zhejiang Yuchuan Industry & Trade Co., Ltd., Jinhua, Zhejiang, China;
Zhejiang Yongkang Unique Industry & Trade Co., Ltd., Jinhua, Zhejiang, China;
Suzhou Prime Gifts Co., Ltd., of Suzhou, Jiangsu, China;
Hangzhou Yuehua Technology Co., Ltd., of Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China;
Guangzhou Yawen Technology Co., Ltd., of Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China;
Yiwu Yiju E-commerce Firm of Yiwu City, Zhejiang Province, China;
Jinhua Ruizhi Electronic Commerce Co., Ltd., of Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province, China;
Womart (Tianjin) International Trade Co., Ltd., of Tianjin, China;
Shenzhen Yaxin General Machinery Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen, China;
Dunhuang Group a.k.a. DHgate of Beijing, China;
Eddie Bauer, LLC, of Bellevue, WA;
PSEB Holdings, LLC, of Wilmington, DE; and
HydroFlaskPup of Phoenix, AZ.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1216), 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 20-101
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-415 and 731-TA-933-934 (Third 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 polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, sheet, and strip from India and Taiwan would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the existing orders on imports of these products from India and Taiwan will remain in place.
Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative. Chair Jason E. Kearns did not participate in this vote.
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 Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Film, Sheet, and Strip from India and Taiwan (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-415 and 731-TA-933-934 (Third Review), USITC Publication 5117, September 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.
The report will be available by October 8, 2020; 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 Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Film, Sheet, and Strip from India and Taiwan were instituted on July 1, 2019.
On April 6, 2020, the Commission voted to conduct full reviews. With respect to India, Commissioners David S. Johanson and Randolph J. Stayin concluded that both the domestic and the respondent group responses were adequate and voted for full reviews; Commissioner Jason E. Kearns concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group responses were inadequate but that circumstances warranted full reviews; and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein and Amy A. Karpel concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group responses were inadequate and voted for expedited reviews. With respect to Taiwan, all five Commissioners concluded that the respondent group response was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate; Commissioners Johanson, Kearns, and Stayin voted for a full review, and Commissioners Schmidtlein and Karpel voted for an expedited review.
A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct full 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.