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News Release 17-085
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1060
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain consumer electronic devices, including televisions, gaming consoles, mobile phones and tablets, and network-enabled DVD and Blu-ray players. The products at issue in the investigation are consumer electronics devices that may be used for a range of purposes, including entertainment, gaming, and telecommunications activities.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by ARRIS Enterprises LLC of Suwanee, GA, on May 9, 2017. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain consumer electronic devices, including televisions, gaming consoles, mobile phones and tablets, and network-enabled DVD and Blu-ray players 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:
Sony Corporation of Tokyo, Japan;
Sony Corporation of America of New York, NY;
Sony Electronics Inc. of San Diego, CA;
Sony Interactive Entertainment, Inc., of Tokyo, Japan;
Sony Mobile Communications (USA), Inc., of San Mateo, CA;
Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC of San Mateo, CA; and
Sony Interactive Entertainment America LLC of San Mateo, CA.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1060), 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 17-084
Inv. No(s). 332-560
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today released a public version of its confidential report on possible modifications to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).
The investigation, Generalized System of Preferences: Possible Modifications, 2016 Review, was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).
The USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, submitted a confidential version of the report to the USTR on May 5, 2016. The USTR requested that the USITC issue a public version of the report containing only the unclassified sections, with any business confidential information deleted.
As requested, the USITC provided advice on the likely impact on U.S. imports, competing U.S. industries, and U.S. consumers of the addition of the following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) subheadings for all beneficiary developing countries under GSP:
- 1104.19.90 (Rolled or flaked grains of cereals, other than of barley or oats),
- 2008.20.00 (Pineapples, otherwise prepared or preserved, nesi),
- 2915.9018 (Saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, nesoi),
- 3809.93.50 (Finishing agents, dye carriers and other preparations used in leather and like industries, <5% by weight aromatic (mod.) substance(s)),
- 3192.20.00 (Cellulose nitrates (including collodions, in primary forms)).
* nesoi and nesi – not elsewhere specified or indicated
The USITC also provided advice on the likely impact on U.S. imports, competing U.S. industries, and U.S. consumers of the removal from eligibility of one HTS statistical reporting number for all countries:
- 2922.49.40.20 (Glycine – part of 2922.49.40, “Amino acids”)
The USITC also provided advice on the likely impact on U.S. imports, U.S. consumers, and competing U.S. industries of competitive need limitation waivers specified in section 503(c)(2)(A) of the Trade Act of 1974 for 4 Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) subheadings. "Competitive need limits" represent the maximum import level of a product that is eligible for duty-free treatment under the GSP. The USITC was requested to use the dollar figure of $175 million for the competitive need limitation. 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. The HTS subheading and specified country for which the USITC provided advice is:
- 4409.10.05 (Coniferous wood continuously shaped along any of its ends, whether or not also continuously shaped along any {of} its edges or faces) from Brazil.
Generalized System of Preferences: Possible Modifications, 2016 Review (Investigation No. 332-560, USITC publication 4692, May 2017) is available on the USITC's Internet site at https://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub4692.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 17-083
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-472 (Fourth Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC or Commission) has voted to conduct a full five-year (“sunset”) review concerning the antidumping duty order on Silicon Metal from China.
As a result of the vote, the Commission will conduct a full review to determine whether revocation of the order would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.
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 notice of institution in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file with the Commission responses that discuss the likely effects of revoking the order under review and provide other pertinent 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.
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. Commissioner F. Scott Kieff did not participate.
A record of the Commission’s vote on this matter 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.
The record of the Commission's vote is also posted on the USITC's Internet site at http://pubapps2.usitc.gov/sunset/caseProf/list?sort=caseTitle&order=asc. From this page, search “silicon metal” using the search box in the upper right corner.
The Federal Register notice will indicate whether any further information or statements will be available. Only parties that filed adequate responses and filed timely notices of appearance are eligible to participate further in this review. The Commission will issue a report after it completes its review.
News Release 17-082
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-313-314, 317, and 379
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC or Commission) has voted to expedite its five-year (“sunset”) reviews concerning the antidumping duty orders on Brass Sheet and Strip from France, Germany, Italy, and Japan.
As a result of the vote, the Commission will conduct expedited reviews to determine whether revocation of the orders would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.
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 notice of institution in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file with the Commission responses that discuss the likely effects of revoking the order under review and provide other pertinent 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 determinations in expedited reviews on the facts available, including the Commission’s prior injury and review determinations, responses received to its notice of institution, data collected by staff in connection with the reviews, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.
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 the respondent group responses were inadequate and voted for expedited reviews. Commissioner F. Scott Kieff did not participate.
A record of the Commission’s vote on these matters 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.
The record of the Commission's vote is also posted on the USITC's Internet site at http://pubapps2.usitc.gov/sunset/caseProf/list?sort=caseTitle&order=asc. From this page, search “brass sheet and strip” using the search box in the upper right corner.
The Federal Register notice will indicate whether any further information or statements will be available. Only parties that filed adequate responses and filed timely notices of appearance are eligible to participate further in these reviews. The Commission will issue a report after it completes its reviews.
News Release 17-081
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-287 (Second 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 raw in-shell pistachios from Iran 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 Iran will remain in place.
Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, and F. Scott Kieff 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 Raw In-Shell Pistachios from Iran (Inv. No. 731-TA-287 (Second Review), USITC Publication 4701, June 2017) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.
The report will be available by July 17, 2017; 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 Raw In-Shell Pistachios from Iran was instituted on April 1, 2016.
On July 5, 2016, the Commission voted to conduct a full review. Then-Chairman Irving A. Williamson and Commissioners Dean A. Pinkert, David S. Johanson, F. Scott Kieff, 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 Meredith M. Broadbent concluded that the domestic and respondent group responses were adequate.
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 17-080
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-576-577 and 731-TA-1362-1367 (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 cold-drawn mechanical tubing from China, Germany, India, Italy, Korea, and Switzerland that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the governments of China and India.
Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, and F. Scott Kieff voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on imports of this product from China, Germany, Italy, India, Korea, and Switzerland, with its preliminary countervailing duty determinations due on or about July 13, 2017, and its antidumping duty determinations due on or about September 26, 2017.
The Commission’s public report Cold-Drawn Mechanical Tubing from China, Germany, India, Italy, Korea, and Switzerland (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-576-577 and 731-TA-1362-1367 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4700, June 2017) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after July 3, 2017; 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
Cold-Drawn Mechanical Tubing from China, Germany, India, Italy, Korea, and Switzerland
Investigation Nos: 701-TA-576-577 and 731-TA-1362-1367 (Preliminary)
Product Description: The scope of these investigations covers cold-drawn mechanical tubing of carbon and alloy steel of circular cross-section, in actual outside diameters of less than 331 mm, and regardless of wall thickness, surface finish, end finish or industry specification. The subject cold-drawn mechanical tubing has been cold-drawn or otherwise cold-finished after the initial tube formation in a manner that involves a change in the diameter or wall thickness of the tubing, or both, and may be produced from either welded or seamless carbon or alloy steel tubular products.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Types of investigation: Preliminary phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2. ArcelorMittal Tubular Products, Shelby, Ohio; Michigan Seamless Tube, LLC, South Lyon, Michigan; PTC Alliance Corp., Wexford, Pennsylvania; Webco Industries, Inc., Sand Springs, Oklahoma; and Zekelman Industries, Inc., Farrell, Pennsylvania.
3. USITC institution date: April 19, 2017.
4. USITC conference date: May 10, 2017.
5. USITC vote date: June 02, 2017.
6. USITC notification to Commerce date: June 05, 2017.
U.S. Industry in 2016:
1. Number of U.S. producers: Eight.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania.
3. Production and related workers: 1,804.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $526.2 million.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: 1
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: [1]
U.S. Imports in 2016:
1. Subject imports: 1
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: Germany, China, and India.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 17-079
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1059
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain digital cameras, software, and components thereof. The products at issue in the investigation are digital cameras that include image sensors and image processing software.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Carl Zeiss AG of Oberkochen, Germany, and ASML Netherlands B.V. of Veldhoven, Netherlands, on April 28, 2017. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain digital cameras, software, 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:
Nikon Corporation of Tokyo, Japan;
Sendai Nikon Corporation of Miyagi, Japan;
Nikon Inc. of Melville, NY;
Nikon (Thailand) Co., Ltd., of Ayutthaya, Thailand;
Nikon Imaging (China) Co., Ltd., of Wuxi, Jiangsu, China; and
PT Nikon Indonesia of Jakarta, Indonesia.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1059), 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 17-078
Inv. No(s). TA-131-042 and TPA-105-002
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 Canada and Mexico.
The investigation, North American Free 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 May 18, 2017.
As requested, the USITC will advise the President as to the probable economic effect of providing duty-free treatment for currently dutiable imports of products from Canada and Mexico (North American Free Trade Agreement member states) on industries in the United States producing like or directly competitive articles 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 for which tariffs remain, taking into account implementation of U.S. commitments in the World Trade Organization. The advice will be based on the 2017 Harmonized Tariff Schedule nomenclature and trade data for the year 2016.
In addition, as requested, the USITC will prepare an assessment of the probable economic effect of eliminating tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico 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 August 16, 2017.
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 June 20, 2017. Requests to appear at the hearing (one original and 8 copies) should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on June 7, 2017, 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 June 26, 2017. 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 May 26, 2017, 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 17-076
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-575 and 731-TA-1360-1361 (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 tool chests and cabinets from China and Vietnam that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the government of China.
Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, and F. Scott Kieff voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on imports of this product from China and Vietnam, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about July 5, 2017, and its antidumping duty determinations due on or about September 18, 2017.
The Commission’s public report Tool Chests and Cabinets from China and Vietnam (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-575 and 731-TA-1360-1361 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4697, June 2017) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after June 26, 2017. After that date, 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
Tool Chests and Cabinets from China and Vietnam
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-575 and 731-TA-1360-1361 (Preliminary)
Product Description: Tool chests and cabinets are designed for the storage of tools and equipment. They have bodies that are generally made from carbon, alloy, or stainless steel, but can be produced from other metals. The subject merchandise includes top chests, intermediate chests, tool cabinets, side cabinets, mobile work benches and work stations, and metal storage units that have two or more drawers, meet specified physical dimensions, and are prepackaged for retail sale. Tool chests and cabinets can be sold individually or in sets that include a cabinet and one or more chests that stack on top on the cabinet. Tool chests and cabinets can be differentiated by size, color, number and load rating of drawers, type of drawer slides, type of latching system, type and thickness of primary construction material, lock type, type and load rating of casters or wheels, and total load rating and storage capacity. Not covered by the scope of these investigations are tool boxes, chests and cabinets with bodies made entirely of plastic, carbon fiber, wood, or other non-metallic substances; portable tool boxes; and industrial grade tool chests and cabinets.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioner: Waterloo Industries Inc., Sedalia, Missouri.
3. Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC: April 11, 2017.
4. Commission’s conference: May 2, 2017.
5. USITC vote: May 25, 2017.
6. USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce: May 26, 2017.
7. USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: June 5, 2017.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of producers in 2016: Five.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Illinois, Missouri, New York, and Ohio.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2016: [1]
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2016: 1
5. Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2016: 1
U.S. Imports:
1. From the subject countries during 2016: $308.8 million.
2. From other countries during 2016: 1
3. Leading sources during 2016: 1
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
# # #
News Release 17-075
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1333 (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 finished carbon steel flanges from Spain that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Meredith M. Broadbent voted in the affirmative. Commissioner F. Scott Kieff did not participate in this vote.
As a result of the USITC’s affirmative determination, Commerce will issue an antidumping duty order on imports of these products from Spain.
The Commission’s public report Finished Carbon Steel Flanges from Spain (Investigation No. 731-TA-1333 (Final), USITC Publication 4696, June 2017) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.
The report will be available by June 28, 2017; 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
Finished Carbon Steel Flanges from Spain
Investigation No. 731-TA-1333 (Final)
Product Description: A flange is a product for connecting pipes, valves, pumps and other equipment to form a piping system. It also provides easy access for cleaning, inspection or modification. Flanges are usually welded or screwed to the pipes or other equipment requiring a connection and flanges are joined to each other by bolting. Finished carbon steel flanges are those which have undergone further processing after forging, which can include beveling, boring, machining, drilling bolt holes, and other processes. Any one of these post-forging processes suffices to render the forging into a finished carbon steel flange. However, heat treatment alone of a carbon steel flange forging does not constitute finishing. Finished carbon steel flanges are generally manufactured to specification ASME B16.5 or ASME B16.47 series A or series B. All types of finished carbon steel flanges are included in the investigations, regardless of size, pressure class rating, type of face, configuration (e.g., weld neck, slip on, socket weld, lap joint, threaded, etc.), wall thickness, and normalization or heat treatment. These carbon steel flanges either meet or exceed the requirements of the ASTM A105, ASTM A694, ASTM A181, ASTM A350 and ASTM A707 standards (or comparable foreign specifications).
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final antidumping duty investigation.
2. Petitioners: Boltex Mfg. Co., L.P., Houston, TX; Weldbend Corporation, Argo, IL.
3. Investigation instituted by USITC: June 30, 2016.
4. USITC hearing: April 25, 2017.
5. USITC vote on Spain: May 24, 2017.
6. USITC views to the Department of Commerce for Spain: June 7, 2017.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of U.S. producers in 2016: 10.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2016: 421.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments in 2016: $117.3 million.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2016: $253.3 million.
6. Ratio of the value of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption in 2016: 37.4 percent (India, Italy, and Spain).
U.S. Imports in 2016:
1. From the subject countries during 2016: $94.7 million (India, Italy, and Spain).
2. From other countries during 2016: $41.3 million.
3. Leading sources during 2016: India, Italy, China, and Spain (in terms of total value).