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News Release 18-146
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1140
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain multi-stage fuel vapor canister systems and activated carbon 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 Ingevity Corp. and Ingevity South Carolina, LLC, both of North Charleston, SC, on November 8, 2018. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain multi-stage fuel vapor canister systems and activated carbon components thereof that infringe a patent asserted by the complainants. The complainants request that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:
MAHLE Filter Systems North America, Inc., of Murfreesboro, TN;
MAHLE Filter Systems Japan Corp. of Saitama, Japan;
MAHLE Sistemas de Filtracion de Mexico S.A. de C.V. of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico;
MAHLE Filter Systems Canada, ULC, of Tilbury, ON, Canada;
Kuraray Co., Ltd., of Tokyo, Japan;
Kuraray America, Inc., of Houston, TX; and
Nagamine Manufacturing Co., Ltd., of Nakatado-Gun, Kagawa-pref., Japan.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1140), 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 18-144
Inv. No(s). TA-131-045 and TPA-105-006
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input for a newly initiated investigation into the probable economic effect of providing duty-free treatment for currently dutiable imports from the United Kingdom (UK).
The investigation, U.S.-UK Trade Agreement: Advice on the Probable Economic Effect of Providing Duty-free Treatment for Currently Dutiable Imports, was requested by the USTR in a letter received on November 9, 2018.
As requested, the USITC will advise the President as to the probable economic effect of providing duty-free treatment for imports of currently dutiable products from the UK on industries in the United States producing like or directly competitive products and on consumers. In preparing its advice, the USITC will consider each article in chapters 1 through 97 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for which U.S. tariffs will remain, taking into account implementation of U.S. commitments in the World Trade Organization. The advice will be based on the HTSUS in effect during 2018 and trade data for the year 2017.
In addition, as requested, the USITC will prepare an assessment of the probable economic effects of eliminating tariffs on imports from the UK of certain agricultural products on U.S. industries producing the products concerned and on the U.S. economy as a whole. A list of the agriculture products is attached to the USTR’s request letter.
The USITC expects to submit its report, which will be confidential, to the USTR by May 8, 2019.
The USITC is seeking input for the investigation from all interested parties and requests that the information focus on the issues for which the USITC is requested to provide information and advice.
The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation on January 31, 2019. Requests to appear at the hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on January 10, 2019, 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 11, 2019. 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 December 7, 2018, which can be downloaded from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or may be obtained by contacting the Office of the Secretary at the above address or at 202-205-2000.
News Release 18-143
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-591 and 731-TA-1431 (Preliminary)
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 common alloy aluminum sheet from China that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the USITC’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from China.
The Commission also made negative findings concerning critical circumstances with regard to imports of this product from China. As a result, imports of common alloy aluminum sheet from China will not be subject to retroactive antidumping or countervailing duties.
The Commission’s public report Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-591 and 731-TA-1399 (Final), USITC Publication 4861, December 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by January 11, 2019; 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
Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-591 and 731-TA-1399 (Final)
Product Description: Common alloy aluminum sheet (CAAS) is a thin flat-rolled aluminum product. It has a thickness of 6.3 mm or less, but greater than 0.2 mm, in coils or cut-to-length, regardless of width. CAAS within the scope of these investigations include both non-clad and multi-alloy, clad aluminum sheet. Non-clad CAAS can be produced from a 1XXX, 3XXX, or 5XXX series alloy, while multi-alloy clad CAAS is produced using a 3XXX series alloy core, to which cladding layers are applied to either one or both sides of the core. CAAS is used in building and construction, electrical, infrastructure, marine, and transportation, among other applications. This product description specifically excludes can stock used in the manufacturing of aluminum beverage cans, lids, and tabs for such cans.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C.
3. USITC Institution Date: Friday, December 1, 2017.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Tuesday, October 30, 2018.
5. USITC Vote Date: Friday, December 7, 2018.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Wednesday, January 2, 2019.
U.S. Industry in 2017:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 10.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
3. Production and related workers: 5,032.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $3.5 billion.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: $6.2 billion.
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 15.8 percent.
U.S. Imports in 2017:
1. Subject imports: $972.8 million.
2. Nonsubject imports: $1.7 billion.
3. Leading import sources: China, Canada, Indonesia, Bahrain.
News Release 18-142
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-614 and 731-TA-1431 (Prelimininary)
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 magnesium from Israel that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative. Commissioner Meredith M. Broadbent voted in the negative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue with its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations concerning imports of this product from Israel, with its preliminary countervailing duty determinations due on or about January 17, 2019, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about April 2, 2019.
The Commission’s public report Magnesium from Israel (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-614 and 731-TA-1431 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4860, December 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after January 17, 2019; 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
Magnesium from Israel
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-614 and 731-TA-1431 (Preliminary)
Product Description: The products covered by this investigation are primary and secondary pure and alloy magnesium metal, regardless of chemistry, raw material source, form, shape, or size. Magnesium is a metal or alloy containing by weight primarily the element magnesium. Primary magnesium is produced by decomposing raw materials into magnesium metal. Secondary magnesium is produced by recycling magnesium-based scrap into magnesium metal. The magnesium covered by this investigation also includes blends of primary magnesium, scrap, and secondary magnesium.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: US Magnesium LLC, Salt Lake City, UT.
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, October 24, 2018.
4. USITC Conference Date: Wednesday, November 14, 2018.
5. USITC Vote Date: Friday, December 7, 2018.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Tuesday, December 11, 2018.
U.S. Industry in 2017:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 4.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Tennessee, and Utah.
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 2017:
1. Subject imports: $44.7 million.
2. Nonsubject imports: $47.1 million.
3. Leading import sources: Israel, Russia, Canada, and Taiwan.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 18-141
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-593-594 and 731-TA-1402 and 1404 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today announced its injury determinations in its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations concerning large diameter welded (LDW) pipe from China and India that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Four Commissioners identified three like products and one Commissioner identified two like products in these investigations.
LDW carbon and alloy steel line pipe (line pipe): The Commission made an affirmative determination in its antidumping duty investigation of line pipe from China. Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein voted in the affirmative; Commissioner Meredith M. Broadbent voted in the negative.
All four Commissioners voted to terminate the countervailing duty investigation of line pipe from China.
The Commission made affirmative determinations in its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of line pipe from India. Chairman Johanson and Commissioners Williamson and Schmidtlein voted in the affirmative; Commissioner Broadbent voted in the negative.
LDW carbon and alloy steel structural pipe (structural pipe): The Commission made affirmative determinations in its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of structural pipe from China. Chairman Johanson and Commissioners Williamson, Schmidtlein, and Broadbent voted in the affirmative.
All four Commissioners voted to terminate the antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of structural pipe from India.
LDW stainless steel pipe (stainless steel pipe): The Commission made negative determinations in its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of stainless steel pipe from China and India. Chairman Johanson and Commissioners Williamson, Schmidtlein, and Broadbent voted in the negative.
Commissioner Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative with respect to LDW carbon and alloy steel pipe from China and India and concurred with the majority in voting in the negative with respect to LDW stainless steel pipe from China and India.
As a result of the USITC’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping duty orders on imports of LDW carbon and alloy steel line pipe from China and India and a countervailing duty order on imports of LDW carbon and alloy steel line pipe from India, and antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of LDW carbon and alloy steel structural pipe from China.
The Commission’s public report Large Diameter Welded Pipe from China and India (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-593-594 and 731-TA-1402 and 1404 (Final), USITC Publication 4859, December 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by January 14, 2019; 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
Large Diameter Welded Pipe (LDWP) from China and India
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-593-594 and 731-TA-1402 and 1404 (Final)
Product Description: Large diameter welded pipe covered by these investigations is welded carbon and alloy steel pipe (including stainless steel pipe), more than 406.4 mm (16 inches) in nominal outside diameter (large diameter welded pipe), regardless of wall thickness, length, surface finish, grade, end finish, or stenciling. Large diameter welded pipe may be used to transport oil, gas, slurry, steam, or other fluids, liquids or gases. It may also be used for structural purposes, including, but not limited to, piling.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: American Cast Iron Pipe Company, Birmingham, AL; American Line Pipe Producers Association, Washington, DC; Berg Steel Pipe Corp., Panama City, FL; Berg Spiral Pipe Corp., Mobile, AL; Dura-Bond Industries, Inc., Export, PA; Skyline Steel, Newington, VA; Stupp Corporation, Baton Rouge, LA; and Welspun Tubular LLC, Little Rock, AR.
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, January 17, 2018.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Tuesday, November 6, 2018.
5. USITC Vote Date: Thursday, December 6, 2018.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Thursday, December 20, 2018.
U.S. Industry in 2017:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 16.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington.
3. Production and related workers: 2,372.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $1,336,431,000.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: $2,248,792,000.
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 1
U.S. Imports in 2017:
1. Subject imports: 1
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: India, Canada, Korea, Germany, and Turkey.
News Release 11-140
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-612-613 and 731-TA-1429-1430 (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 polyester textured yarn from China and India that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue with its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations concerning imports of this product from China and India, with its preliminary countervailing duty determinations due on or about January 11, 2019, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about March 27, 2019.
The Commission’s public report Polyester Textured Yarn from China and India (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-612-613 and 731-TA-1429-1430 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4858, December 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after December 31, 2018; 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
Polyester Textured Yarn from China and India
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-612-613 and 731-TA-1429-1430 (Preliminary)
Product Description: Polyester textured yarn is synthetic multifilament yarn that is manufactured from polyester (polyethylene terephthalate). It is produced through a texturing process, which imparts special properties to the filaments of the yarn, including stretch, bulk, strength, moisture absorption, insulation, and the appearance of a natural fiber.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: Unifi Manufacturing, Inc., Greensboro, North Carolina; Nan Ya Plastics Corp. America, Lake City, South Carolina.
3. USITC Institution Date: Friday, October 18, 2018.
4. USITC Conference Date: Friday, November 8, 2018.
5. USITC Vote Date: Friday, November 30, 2018.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Monday, December 3, 2018.
U.S. Industry in 2017:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 9.
2. Location of producers’ plants: North Carolina and South Carolina.
3. Production and related workers: 1,043.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $271.5 million.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: $404.0 million.
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 15.5 percent.
U.S. Imports in 2017:
1. Subject imports: $62.7 million.
2. Nonsubject imports: $69.8 million.
3. Leading import sources: China, Mexico, India, Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia.
News Release 18-139
Inv. No(s). TA-131-044 and TPA-105-005
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input for a newly initiated investigation into the probable economic effect of providing duty-free treatment for currently dutiable imports from the European Union (EU).
The investigation, U.S.-EU Trade Agreement: Advice on the Probable Economic Effect of Providing Duty-free Treatment for Currently Dutiable Imports, was requested by the USTR in a letter received on November 9, 2018.
As requested, the USITC will advise the President as to the probable economic effect of providing duty-free treatment for imports of currently dutiable products from the EU on industries in the United States producing like or directly competitive products and on consumers. In preparing its advice, the USITC will consider each article in chapters 1 through 97 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for which U.S. tariffs will remain, taking into account implementation of U.S. commitments in the World Trade Organization. The advice will be based on the HTSUS in effect during 2018 and trade data for the year 2017.
In addition, as requested, the USITC will prepare an assessment of the probable economic effects of eliminating tariffs on imports from the EU of certain agricultural products on U.S. industries producing the products concerned and on the U.S. economy as a whole. A list of the agriculture products is attached to the USTR’s request letter.
The USITC expects to submit its report, which will be confidential, to the USTR by March 19, 2019.
The USITC is seeking input for the investigation from all interested parties and requests that the information focus on the issues for which the USITC is requested to provide information and advice. For the purposes of these analyses, the USTR requested that the Commission assume that the United Kingdom will no longer be a Member State of the EU.
The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation on December 18, 2018. Requests to appear at the hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on December 6, 2018, 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 January 4, 2019. 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 November 20, 2018, which can be downloaded from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or may be obtained by contacting the Office of the Secretary at the above address or at 202-205-2000.
News Release 18-138
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-739 (Fourth Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on imports of clad steel plate from Japan would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determination, the existing antidumping duty order on imports of this product from Japan will remain in place.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, 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 this five-year (sunset) review.
The Commission’s public report Clad Steel Plate from Japan (Inv. No. 731-TA-739 (Fourth Review), USITC Publication 4851, December 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.
The report will be available by December 27, 2018; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.
BACKGROUND
The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time.
The Commission’s institution notice in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file responses with the Commission concerning the likely effects of revoking the order under review as well as other information. Generally within 95 days from institution, the Commission will determine whether the responses it has received reflect an adequate or inadequate level of interest in a full review. If responses to the USITC’s notice of institution are adequate, or if other circumstances warrant a full review, the Commission conducts a full review, which includes a public hearing and issuance of questionnaires.
The Commission generally does not hold a hearing or conduct further investigative activities in expedited reviews. Commissioners base their injury determination in expedited reviews on the facts available, including the Commission’s prior injury and review determinations, responses received to its notice of institution, data collected by staff in connection with the review, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.
The five-year (sunset) review concerning Clad Steel Plate from Japan was instituted on January 2, 2018.
On April 9, 2018, the Commission voted to conduct a full review. Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Meredith M. Broadbent and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate, but that circumstances warranted a full review. Commissioner Irving A. Williamson concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for an expedited review. Commissioner Jason E. Kearns did not participate in the adequacy determination.
A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct a full review is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.
News Release 18-137
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-589 and 731-TA-1394-1395 (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 forged steel fittings from China and Italy that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the government of China.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the USITC’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping duty orders on imports of this product from China and Italy and a countervailing duty order on imports of this product from China.
The Commission’s public report Forged Steel Fittings from China and Italy (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-589 and 731-TA-1394-1395 (Final), USITC Publication 4850, November 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by December 10, 2018; 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
Forged Steel Fittings from China and Italy
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-589 and 731-TA-1394-1395 (Final)
Product Description: The merchandise covered by these investigations is carbon and alloy forged steel fittings (FSF); available in a variety of shapes (including but not limited to elbows, tees, crosses, laterals, couplings, reducers, caps, plugs, bushings, unions, and outlets); either finished or unfinished; whether or not having threaded, socket weld, or other end connections; regardless of nominal pipe size, pressure rating, and wall thickness; and whether or not heat treated. These fittings are produced by forging from cast steel blanks or machining from bar stock or seamless tubular steel products. Specifically excluded are stainless steel fittings; butt-weld fittings, outlets, and nipples; and all fittings with a maximum pressure ratings of 300 pounds or less. FSF are utilized in oil and gas piping systems, chemical and petrochemical plants, electric-power generating plants, and industrial piping systems for distributing liquids and gasses under high pressure or that are corrosive.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final countervailing duty and antidumping investigations.
2. Petitioners: Bonny Forge Corp., Mount Union, PA; and the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union (USW), Pittsburgh, PA.
3. USITC Institution Date: Thursday, October 5, 2017.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Thursday, August 2, 2018.
5. USITC Vote Date: Thursday, November 8, 2018.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Monday, November 19, 2018.
U.S. Industry in 2017:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 4.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Louisiana, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, 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 2017:
1. Subject imports: $44.1 million.
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import source: Taiwan, China, and Italy.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 18-136
Inv. No(s). TA-131-043 and TPA-105-004
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input for a newly initiated investigation into the probable economic effect of providing duty-free treatment for currently dutiable imports from Japan.
The investigation, U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement: Advice on the Probable Economic Effect of Providing Duty-free Treatment for Currently Dutiable Imports, was requested by the USTR in a letter received on October 26, 2018.
As requested, the USITC will advise the President as to the probable economic effect of providing duty-free treatment for imports of currently dutiable products from Japan on industries in the United States producing like or directly competitive products and on consumers. In preparing its advice, the USITC will consider each article in chapters 1 through 97 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for which U.S. tariffs will remain, taking into account implementation of U.S. commitments in the World Trade Organization. The advice will be based on the HTSUS in effect during 2018 and trade data for the year 2017.
In addition, as requested, the USITC will prepare an assessment of the probable economic effects of eliminating tariffs on imports from Japan of certain agricultural products on U.S. industries producing the products concerned and on the U.S. economy as a whole. A list of the agriculture products is attached to the USTR’s request letter.
The USITC expects to submit its report, which will be confidential, to the USTR by January 24, 2019.
The USITC is seeking input for the investigation from all interested parties and requests that the information focus on the issues for which the USITC is requested to provide information and advice.
The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation on December 6, 2018. Requests to appear at the hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on November 26, 2018, 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 December 13, 2018. 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 November 7, 2018, which can be downloaded from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or may be obtained by contacting the Office of the Secretary at the above address or at 202-205-2000.