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News Release 18-066
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-860 (Third 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 tin- and chromium-coated steel sheet 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 Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, 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 Tin- and Chromium-Coated Steel Sheet from Japan (Inv. No. 731-TA-860 (Third Review), USITC Publication 4795, June 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.
The report will be available by July 10, 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 Tin- and Chromium-Coated Steel Sheet from Japan was instituted on May 1, 2017.
On August 4, 2017, the Commission voted to conduct a full review. Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Meredith M. Broadbent concluded that both the domestic group response and the respondent group response were adequate and voted for a full review.
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 18-065
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-606 and 731-TA-1416 (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 quartz surface products from China that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, 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, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about July 11, 2018, and its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about September 24, 2018.
The Commission’s public report Quartz Surface Products from China, Inv. Nos. 701-TA-606 and 731-TA-1416 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4794, June 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after June 29, 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
Quartz Surface Products from China.
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-606 and 731-TA-1416 (Preliminary)
Product Description: Quartz surface products consist of slabs and other surfaces created from a mixture of materials that includes predominately silica (e.g., quartz, quartz powder, cristobalite) as well as a resin binder (e.g., an unsaturated polyester). The incorporation of other materials, including, but not limited to, pigments, cement, or other additives does not remove the merchandise from the scope of the investigations. In addition to slabs, the scope of these investigations includes, but is not limited to, other surfaces such as countertops, backsplashes, vanity tops, bar tops, work tops, tabletops, flooring, wall facing, shower surrounds, fire place surrounds, mantels, and tiles. Quartz surface products are covered by these investigations whether or not polished, cut, fabricated, cured, edged, finished, thermalformed, packaged, and regardless of the type of surface finish.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: Cambria Company LLC, Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
3. USITC Institution Date: Tuesday, April 17, 2018.
4. USITC Conference Date: Tuesday, May 8, 2018.
5. USITC Vote Date: Thursday, May 31, 2018.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Friday, June 1, 2018.
U.S. Industry in 2017:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 3.
2. Location of producers’ plants: California, Georgia, Indiana, Minnesota, and Ohio.
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: $520.7 million.
2. Nonsubject imports: $551.7 million.
3. Leading import sources: China, Spain, and Israel.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 18-062
Inv. No(s). 332-564
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Rising per capita incomes, growing urbanization, the need for improved infrastructure, and expanding healthcare contributed to growth in U.S. exports in some sectors to sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) between 2010 and 2016, reports the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) in its publication U.S. Trade and Investment with Sub-Saharan Africa: Recent Developments.
The USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, conducted the investigation at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). In requesting the study, the USTR noted that: “As the Administration works to encourage fair and reciprocal trade with our African trading partners, it is important to have factual information on where we are succeeding in African markets, where we have the greatest prospects for increased trade and investment, and the factors that could impede that progress.” The USTR also asked for similar information on SSA's trade performance and on future prospects for its exports to the United States, including those under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
As requested by the USTR, the USITC report:
- provides an overview of U.S. exports to and imports from SSA of goods and services, as well as U.S. foreign direct investment (FDI) in SSA countries over the 2010-2016 period;
- discusses exports of goods and services from U.S. small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to SSA, as well as challenges faced by them exporting to the region;
- performs a qualitative and, to the extent possible, quantitative assessment of the non-crude petroleum sectors and SSA markets that present the greatest potential for growth in U.S. exports and imports of goods and services, as well as FDI flows;
- profiles seven SSA economies; and
- summarizes recent developments in regional integration efforts in SSA, as well as strategies by AGOA countries to increase trade with the United States.
Highlights of the report include:
- Among the fastest growing U.S. exports of goods to SSA during 2010-16 were aircraft; floating oil platforms; natural gas and components; power generating equipment; and pharmaceuticals. Other sectors with the potential for increased U.S. exports to SSA include motor vehicles, ethyl alcohol, poultry, and refined petroleum products. U.S. exports of financial services, insurance services, and information and communication technology services show potential for growth.
- The fastest growing U.S. imports of goods from SSA between 2010 and 2016 were cocoa, chocolate, and confectionery; apparel; refined copper; catalytic converters; and edible nuts. Growth in these sectors was due to the long-term renewal of AGOA to 2025, the increased presence of FDI in these sectors, SSA production cost advantages relative to other global suppliers, and expanding manufacturing capacity in SSA. Apparel, edible nuts, footwear, and raw cane sugar show potential for growth in U.S. imports from SSA under AGOA.
- In 2015, the latest year for which data are available, merchandise exports to SSA by U.S. SMEs were approximately $5.8 billion, a decrease from 2010. Over 40 percent of the 2015 exports were concentrated in South Africa and Nigeria. Some challenges faced by SMEs are high tariffs and poor protection of intellectual property rights.
- The stock of U.S. FDI in SSA declined from 2010 to 2016, with mining, including crude petroleum, being the largest destination sector. Sectors with the greatest potential for U.S. FDI in SSA are professional and business services, financial services, textiles and apparel, renewable energy, and mining. The three largest destinations for U.S. FDI in SSA in 2016 were Mauritius ($7.0 billion), South Africa ($5.1 billion), and Nigeria ($3.8 billion).
- To date, 15 out of 38 AGOA beneficiary countries have prepared specific strategies to identify sectors that have the potential to increase exports to the United States under AGOA. Many SSA countries are also a part of Regional Economic Communities working to lessen trade barriers that hamper AGOA utilization, with negotiations ongoing for a continental FTA.
U.S. Trade and Investment with Sub-Saharan Africa: Recent Developments (Investigation No. 332-564, USITC publication 4780, April 2018) is available on the USITC's Internet site at https://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub4780.pdf.
USITC general factfinding investigations cover matters related to tariffs or trade and are generally conducted at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative, the House Committee on Ways and Means, or the Senate Committee on Finance. The resulting reports convey the Commission's objective findings and independent analyses on the subjects investigated. The Commission makes no recommendations on policy or other matters in its general factfinding reports. Upon completion of each investigation, the USITC submits its findings and analyses to the requester. General factfinding investigation reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.
News Release 18-061
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1114
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain modular LED display panels and components thereof. The products at issue in the investigation include modular LED display panels that are cabinet-free, waterproof, and designed to be easily and quickly integrated into a larger LED display.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Ultravision Technologies, LLC, of Dallas, TX, on March 27, 2018. An amended complaint was filed on April 16, 2018. The complaint, as amended, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain modular LED display panels 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 as respondents in this investigation:
Shenzhen Absen Optoelectronic Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen, China;
Absen, Inc., of Orlando, FL;
Shenzhen AOTO Electronic Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen, China;
AOTO Electronics (US) LLC of Irvine, CA;
Barco NV of Kortrijk, Belgium;
Barco Inc. of Duluth, GA;
Cirrus Systems, Inc., of Saco, ME;
CreateLED Electronics Co. Ltd. of Guangdong Province, Shenzhen, China;
CreateLED USA LLC of Las Vegas, NV;
digiLED (UK) Limited, formerly displayLED (HK) Limited of Surrey, United Kingdom;
Elation Lighting, Inc., d/b/a Elation Professional, of Los Angeles, CA;
General Link International Corporation Inc. of Industry, CA;
GLIC LED Displays Inc. of Industry, CA;
Glux Visual Effects Tech (Shenzhen) Co. of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China;
LEDman Optoelectronics Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen, China;
Shenzhen Liantronics Co. Ltd. of Shenzhen, China;
Liantronics, LLC, of Fremont, CA;
Lighthouse Technologies (Hong Kong) Limited of Hong Kong;
Shenzhen Mary Photoelectricity Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China;
MRLED Inc. of Walnut, CA;
Prismaflex International France S.A. of Haute-Rivoire, France;
Prismaflex USA, Inc., of Elizabethtown, NC;
Rocketsign Hong Kong Ltd. of Hong Kong;
Shanghai Sansi Electronic Engineering Co., Ltd., of Shanghai, China;
Sansi North America, LLC, of New York, NY;
Shenzhen Spectrum Technology Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen, China;
Unilumin Group Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen, China;
Unilumin LED Technology FL LLC of Orlando, FL;
Yaham Optoelectronics Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen, China;
Yaham LED USA, Inc., of Las Vegas, NV;
Formetco Inc. of Duluth, GA;
Leyard Optoelectronic Co. of Beijing, China;
Leyard American Corporation of Buffalo Grove, IL;
NanoLumens Inc. of Peachtree Corners, GA;
NEC Display Solutions, Ltd., of Tokyo, Japan;
NEC Display Solutions of America, Inc., of Itasca, IL;
Panasonic Corporation of Osaka, Japan;
Panasonic Corporation of North America of Newark, NJ;
Vanguard LED Displays, Inc., formerly Aeson LED Display Technologies, Inc., of Lakeland, FL; and
GoVision, LLC, of Argyle, TX.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1114), 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 18-060
Inv. No(s). 332-567
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input for a newly initiated investigation concerning possible modifications to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).
The investigation, Generalized System of Preferences: Possible Modifications, 2017 Review (Investigation No. 332-567), was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in a letter received on May 18, 2018.
As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will provide advice as to the probable economic effect on U.S. imports, on U.S. industries producing like or directly competitive articles, and on U.S. consumers of the addition of the following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) subheadings to the list of GSP-eligible products:
For all GSP beneficiary developing countries:
- 0808.30.40 (Pears, fresh, if entered during the period from July 1 through the following March 31, inclusive),
- 0814.00.80 (Peel of citrus fruit, excl. orange or citron and peel, nesi, of melon, fresh, frozen, dried or provisionally preserved),
- 1207.29.00 (Cotton seeds, whether or not broken, other than seed for sowing),
- 1512.11.00 (Sunflower-seed or safflower oil, crude, and their fractions, whether or not refined, not chemically modified),
- 2008.99.05 (Apples, otherwise prepared or preserved, nesi),
- 2918.99.05 (p-Anisic acid; clofibrate and 3-phenoxybenzoic acid),
- 2918.99.43 (Aromatic carboxylic acids with additional oxygen function and their anhydrides, halide, etc deriv described in add US note 3 to sect VI, nesoi),
- 2918.99.47 (Other aromatic carboxylic acids with additional oxygen function and their anhydrides, halide, etc deriv (excluding goods in add US note 3 to sec VI)),
- 4010.33.30 (Transmission V-belts of vulcanized rubber, V-ribbed, circumference exceeding 180 cm but not exceeding 240 cm, combined with textile materials).
The USTR also requested that the USITC provide advice as to the probable economic effect on total U.S. imports, on U.S. industries producing like or directly competitive articles, and on U.S. consumers of the removal from eligibility of two HTS subheadings for certain GSP countries.
The removals in consideration are:
- 2009.89.6011 and 2009.89.6019 (Cherry juice – Part of 2009.89.60 “Juice of any other single fruit, nesoi”) from Turkey,
- 3920.51.50 (Nonadhesive plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, noncellular, not combined with other materials, of polymethyl methacrylate, not flexible) from Indonesia and Thailand.
The USTR also requested that the USITC provide advice on whether any industry in the United States is likely to be adversely affected by competitive need limitation waivers for certain countries and advice as to the probable economic effect on total U.S. imports, as well as on consumers, of the requested waivers. The USITC will also provide advice as to whether a like or directly competitive article was produced in the United States in any of the preceding three calendar years for these articles. "Competitive need limitations" represent the maximum import level of a product that is eligible for duty-free treatment under the GSP. Once the limit is reached, trade is considered "competitive," benefits are no longer needed, and imports of the article become ineligible for GSP treatment, unless a waiver is granted. With respect to the competitive need limit in section 503(c)(2)(A)(i)(I) of the 1974 Act, the USITC, as requested, will use the dollar value limit of $180 million. The HTS subheadings in consideration are:
- 0410.00.00 (Edible products of animal origin, nesi) from Indonesia,
- 2836.91.00 (Lithium carbonates) from Argentina,
- 3301.13.00 (Essential oils of lemon) from Argentina,
- 6802.99.00 (Monumental or building stone & arts. thereof, nesoi, further worked than simply cut/sawn, nesoi) from Brazil),
- 7202.50.00 (Ferrosilicon chromium) from Kazakhstan.
The USTR also requested that the USITC provide advice as to the probable economic effect on U.S. imports, on U.S. industries producing like or directly competitive articles, and on U.S. consumers of the redesignation for certain countries of the following HTS subheadings:
- 2007.99.48 (Apple, quince and pear pastes and purees, being cooked preparations) from Argentina,
- 2306.30.00 (Oilcake and other solid residues, resulting from the extraction of vegetable fats or oils, of sunflower seeds) from Argentina,
- 2841.90.20 (Ammonium perrhenate) from Kazakhstan,
- 2909.50.40 (Odoriferous or flavoring compounds of ether-phenols, ether-alcohol-phenols & their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, nitrosated derivatives) from Indonesia,
- 4107.11.80 (Full grain unsplit whole bovine (not buffalo) nesoi and equine leather nesoi, w/o hair, prepared after tanning or crusting, fancy, not 4114) from Argentina,
- 6802.93.00 (Monumental or building stone & arts. thereof, of granite, further worked than simply cut/sawn, nesoi) from India,
- 7202.93.80 (Ferroniobium, nesoi) from Brazil.
In addition, the USTR requested that USITC provide advice as to the probable economic effect on U.S. imports, on U.S. industries producing like or directly competitive articles, and on U.S. consumers of the redesignation of an article for one country. The USITC will also provide advice as to whether a like or directly competitive article was produced in the United States in any of the preceding three calendar years for this article. The HTS subheading in consideration is:
- 4412.31.41 including 4412.31.4150 and 4412.31.4160 (Plywood sheets n/o 6mm thick, with specified tropical wood outer ply, with face ply nesoi, not surface covered beyond clear/transparent) from Indonesia.
Finally, the USTR requested that the USITC provide advice as to the probable economic effect on total U.S. imports, on U.S. industries producing like or directly competitive articles, and on U.S. consumers, of the denial of a de minimis competitive need limitation waiver for one article from a GSP beneficiary country. The USITC will also provide advice as to whether a like or directly competitive article was produced in the United States in any of the preceding three calendar years for this article. The HTS subheading in consideration is:
- 3802.90.10 (Bone black) from Brazil.
The USITC will submit its confidential report to USTR by September 7, 2018. As soon as possible thereafter, the USITC will, as requested by USTR, issue a public version of the report containing only the unclassified sections, with any business confidential information and classified information deleted.
The USITC is seeking input for this investigation from all interested parties and requests that the information focus on the articles for which the USITC is requested to provide information and advice. The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation at 9:30 a.m. on June 14, 2018. Requests to appear at the public hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on June 4, 2018, with the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436.
The USITC also welcomes written submissions for the record. Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary to the Commission at the above address and should be submitted at the earliest practical date but no later than 5:15 p.m. on June 21, 2018. All written submissions, except for confidential business information, will be available for public inspection.
Further information on the scope of this investigation and appropriate submissions appears in the USITC’s notice of investigation, dated on May 23, 2018. The notice can be obtained from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or by contacting the Office of the Secretary at the above address or at 202-205-2000.
USITC general factfinding investigations, such as this one, cover matters related to tariffs or trade and are generally conducted at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative, the House Committee on Ways and Means, or the Senate Committee on Finance. The resulting reports convey the Commission's objective findings and independent analyses on the subjects investigated. The Commission makes no recommendations on policy or other matters in its general factfinding reports. Upon completion of each investigation, the USITC submits its findings and analyses to the requester. General factfinding investigation reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.
News Release 18-052
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-487 and 731-TA-1197-1198 (Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty orders on imports of steel wire garment hangers from Taiwan and Vietnam and the existing countervailing duty order on imports of these products from Vietnam 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 antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of these products from Taiwan and Vietnam will remain in place.
Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, 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 Steel Wire Garment Hangers from Taiwan and Vietnam (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-487 and 731-TA-1197-1198 (Review), USITC Publication 4784, May 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.
The report will be available by June 4, 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) reviews concerning Steel Wire Garment Hangers from Taiwan and Vietnam were instituted on November 1, 2017.
On February 5, 2018, the Commission voted to conduct expedited reviews. Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Meredith M. Broadbent concluded that the domestic group response for these reviews was adequate and that the respondent group responses were inadequate and voted for expedited reviews.
A record of the Commission’s votes 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 18-050
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-573-574 and 731-TA-1350-1351, 1354-1355, and 1358 (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 carbon and certain alloy steel wire rod from Italy, Korea, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom 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 governments of Italy and Turkey.
Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Meredith M. Broadbent voted in the affirmative. Commissioner Jason E. Kearns did not participate in these investigations.
As a result of the USITC’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping duty orders on imports of this product from Italy, Korea, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, and countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from Italy and Turkey.
The Commission also made a negative finding concerning critical circumstances with regard to imports of this product from Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. As a result, imports of carbon and certain alloy steel wire rod from Spain and the United Kingdom will not be subject to retroactive antidumping duties, and imports of this product from Turkey will not be subject to retroactive countervailing duties.
The Commission’s public report Carbon and Certain Alloy Steel Wire Rod from Italy, Korea, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-573-574 and 731-TA-1350-1351, 1354-1355, and 1358 (Final), USITC Publication 4782, April 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by June 1, 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
Carbon and Certain Alloy Steel Wire Rod
from Italy, Korea, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-573-574 and 731-TA-1350, 1351, 1355, and 1358 (Final)
Product Description: Certain hot-rolled products of carbon steel and alloy steel, in coils, of approximately round cross section, less than 19.00 mm in actual solid cross-sectional diameter. Wire rod is an intermediate good that is primarily used for subsequent drawing and finishing for wire drawers.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: Charter Steel, Saukville, WI; Gerdau Ameristeel US Inc., Tampa, FL; Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc., Dallas, TX; Nucor Corporation, Charlotte, NC.
3. USITC Institution Date: March 28, 2017.
4. USITC Hearing Date: November 16, 2017.
5. USITC Vote Date: May 11, 2018.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: May 1, 2018.
U.S. Industry in 2016:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 8.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin.
3. Production and related workers: 2,222.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $1.8 billion.[1]
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: $2.8 billion.1
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 10.5 percent.1
U.S. Imports in 2016:
1. Subject imports: $298 million.[2]
2. From Italy, Korea, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom: $176 million.
3. From Belarus, Russia, South Africa, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates: $122 million.
4. Nonsubject imports: $703 million.
5. Leading import sources: Canada, Ukraine, Korea, Spain and Turkey.
[1] Based on total market.
[2] Please note subject imports include Italy, Korea, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom as well as other subject countries (Belarus, Russia, South Africa, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates).
# # #
News Release 18-051
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-472 (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 silicon metal 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 determination, the existing antidumping duty order on imports of this product from China will remain in place.
Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, and Meredith M. Broadbent voted in the affirmative. Commissioner Jason E. Kearns did not participate in this review.
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 Silicon Metal from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-472 (Fourth Review), USITC Publication 4783, May 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.
The report will be available by June 5, 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 Silicon Metal from China was instituted on March 1, 2017.
On June 5, 2017, the Commission voted to conduct a full review. Vice Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Meredith M. Broadbent concluded that the domestic group response for this review was adequate and the respondent group response was adequate and voted for a full review. Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein concluded that the domestic group response for this review was adequate and that the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for an expedited review.
A record of the Commission’s votes 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 18-049
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1111
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain portable gaming console systems with attachable handheld controllers and components thereof. The products at issue in the investigation are controller systems with parts that attach to two sides of an electronic device, such as a smartphone or tablet, and the parts fit into a user’s hands and have gaming controls.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Gamevice, Inc., of Simi Valley, CA, on March 30, 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 portable gaming console systems with attachable handheld controllers 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:
Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan; and
Nintendo of America, Inc., of Redmond, WA.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1111), 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 18-048
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1110
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain strontium-rubidium radioisotope infusion systems and components thereof including generators. The products at issue in the investigation are systems used to generate and infuse radiopharmaceuticals, such as rubidium-82, for intravenous administration in applications such as diagnostic medical imaging.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Bracco Diagnostics Inc. of Monroe Township, NJ, on March 27, 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 strontium-rubidium radioisotope infusion systems and components thereof including generators 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:
Jubilant DraxImage Inc. of Kirkland, Quebec, Canada;
Jubilant Pharma Limited of Singapore; and
Jubilant Life Sciences of Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1110), 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.