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News Release 16-003
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-470-471 and 731-TA-1169-1170 (Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC or Commission) has voted to conduct full five-year (“sunset”) reviews concerning the antidumping and countervailing duty orders on certain coated paper suitable for high-quality print graphics using sheet-fed presses from China and Indonesia.
As a result of this vote, the Commission will conduct full reviews to determine whether revocation of these 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.
With respect to Indonesia, all six Commissioners concluded that both the domestic group response and the respondent group responses were adequate and voted for full reviews. With respect to China, all six Commissioners concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group responses were inadequate, but that circumstances warranted full reviews.
A record of the Commission’s votes 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 "coated paper" using the search box in the upper right corner.
The Federal Register notice will indicate whether any further information or statements will be available. The Commission will issue a report after it completes its reviews.
News Release 16-002
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-249 and 731-TA-262-263 and 265 (4th Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC or Commission) has voted to conduct full five-year (“sunset”) reviews concerning the antidumping and countervailing duty orders on iron construction castings from Brazil, Canada, and China.
As a result of this vote, the Commission will conduct full reviews to determine whether revocation of these 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.
With respect to Brazil, all six Commissioners concluded that both the domestic and the respondent group responses were adequate and voted for full reviews. With respect to Canada and China, all six Commissioners concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group responses were inadequate, but that circumstances warranted a full review.
A record of the Commission’s votes 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 "iron construction castings" using the search box in the upper right corner.
The Federal Register notice will indicate whether any further information or statements will be available. The Commission will issue a report after it completes its review.
News Release 16-001
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1174-1175 (Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC or Commission) has voted to conduct full five-year (“sunset”) reviews concerning the antidumping duty orders on seamless refined copper pipe and tube from China and Mexico.
As a result of this vote, the Commission will conduct full reviews to determine whether revocation of these 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.
All six Commissioners concluded that both the domestic and the respondent group responses were adequate and voted for full reviews.
A record of the Commission’s votes 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 "seamless refined copper pipe and tube" using the search box in the upper right corner.
The Federal Register notice will indicate whether any further information or statements will be available. The Commission will issue a report after it completes its reviews.
News Release 15-125
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-978
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain chassis parts incorporating moveable sockets and components thereof. The products at issue in the investigation are moveable sockets used in automotive steering and suspension systems.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Federal-Mogul Motorparts Corporation of Southfield, MI, on November 19, 2015. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of chassis parts incorporating moveable sockets and components thereof that infringe a patent asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a general exclusion order, or alternatively a limited exclusion order, and a cease and desist order.
The USITC has identified Mevotech, L.P., of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, as the respondent in this investigation.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-978), 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 15-123
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-976
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain woven textile fabrics and products containing same. The products at issue in the investigation are high thread count cotton and polyester sheets and bedding products.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by AAVN, Inc., of Richardson, TX, on October 1, 2015. An amended complaint was filed on October 20, 2015, and a second amended complaint was filed on November 12, 2015. The complaint, as twice amended, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain woven textile fabrics and products containing same that infringe a patent asserted by AAVN or are the subject of false and misleading advertising. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a general exclusion order, or, alternatively, a limited exclusion order, and a cease and desist order.
The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:
AQ Textiles, LLC, of Greensboro, NC;
Creative Textile Mills Pvt. Ltd. of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India;
Indo Count Industries Ltd. of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India;
Indo Count Global, Inc., of New York, NY;
GHCL Ltd. of Pradesh, India;
Grace Home Fashions LLC of New York, NY;
E & E Company, Ltd., of Thane, Maharashtra, India;
E & E Company, Ltd., d/b/a JLA Home, of Fremont, CA;
Welspun Global Brands Ltd. of Gujarat, India;
Welspun USA Inc. of New York, NY;
Elite Home Products, Inc., of Saddle Brook, NJ;
Pradip Overseas Ltd. of Ahmedabad, India;
Pacific Coast Textiles, Inc., of Garden Grove, CA;
Amrapur Overseas, Inc., of Garden Grove, CA; and
Westport Linens, Inc., of New York, NY.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-976), 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 15-122
Inv. No(s). TA-103-028
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input on a newly initiated investigation concerning proposed modifications to the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) rules of origin.
The investigation, Probable Economic Effects of Certain Modifications to the CAFTA-DR Rules of Origin, was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in a letter received on November 24, 2015. The letter included an attachment detailing the articles affected by the proposed modifications. The request covers fishing lures, gaming machines, polyvinyl chloride, and certain products of the chemical and allied industries.
As requested by the USTR, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will provide advice on the probable economic effects of the proposed CAFTA-DR rules of origin modifications on U.S. trade under the Agreement, total U.S. trade, and on domestic producers of the affected articles.
The USITC expects to submit its advice to the USTR by May 24, 2016. A public version of the report, with all confidential business information deleted, will be released as soon as possible thereafter.
The USITC is seeking input for its new 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 not hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation; however, the USITC welcomes written submissions for the record. Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436 and should be submitted at the earliest practical date but no later than 5:15 p.m. on January 25, 2016.
Further information on the scope of this investigation, the proposed rules of origin modifications, and the procedures for written submissions is available in the USITC's notice of investigation, dated December 14, 2015, which can be downloaded from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or by contacting the Secretary at the above address.
News Release 15-121
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-975
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain computer cables, chargers, adapters, peripheral devices, and packaging containing the same. The products at issue in the investigation are electronics accessories, such as charging cables, and their packaging.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Belkin International, Inc., of Playa Vista, CA, on November 12, 2015. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the sale for importation into the United States of certain computer cables, chargers, adapters, peripheral devices, and packaging containing the same that infringe trademarks asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a general exclusion order, or alternatively a limited exclusion order, and cease and desist orders.
The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:
Dongguan Pinte Electronic Co., Ltd., of Shijie Town, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, China; and
Donguang Shijie Fresh Electronic Products Factory of Shijie Town, Dongguan city, Guangdong Province, China.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-975), 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 15-119
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-549 and 731-TA-1299-1303 (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 circular welded carbon-quality steel pipe from Oman, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the government of Pakistan.
The Commission further determined that imports of these products from the Philippines are negligible.
All six Commissioners voted in the affirmative with respect to Oman, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam and made findings of negligibility with respect to the Philippines.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its investigations on imports of this product from Oman, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about January 21, 2016, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about April 5, 2016.
The Commission’s public report Circular Welded Carbon-Quality Steel Pipe from Oman, Pakistan, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-549 and 731-TA-1299-1303 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4586, December 2015) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after January 11, 2016. 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
Office of Industries
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Circular Welded Carbon-Quality Steel Pipe from Oman, Pakistan, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-549 and 731-TA-1299-1303 (Preliminary)
Product Description: Welded carbon-quality steel pipes and tubes of circular cross‐section, with an outside nominal diameter not more than 16 inches, regardless of wall thickness, surface finish (e.g., black, galvanized, or painted), or end finish (plain end, beveled end, grooved, threaded, or threaded and coupled), and generally known as standard pipe, fence pipe and tube, sprinkler pipe, and structural pipe.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioners: Bull Moose Tube Company, Chesterfield, MO; EXLTUBE, N. Kansas City, MO; Wheatland Tube, a division of JMC Steel Group, Chicago, IL; and Western Tube and Conduit, Long Beach, CA.
3. Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC: October 28, 2015.
4. Commission’s conference: November 18, 2015.
5. USITC vote: December 11, 2015.
6. USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce: December 14, 2015.
7. USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: December 21, 2015.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of producers in 2014: Ten.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2014: [1]
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2014: 1
5. Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2014: 1
U.S. Imports:
1. From the subject countries during 2014: 1
2. From other countries during 2014: 1
3. Leading sources during 2014: Canada, Vietnam, and the United Arab Emirates (in terms of total value).
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
# # #
News Release 15-115
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-526-527 and 731-TA-1262-1263 (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 melamine from China that the U.S. Department of Commerce has determined are subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value. The Commission further determined that a U.S. industry is not materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of this product from Trinidad and Tobago.
All six Commissioners voted in the affirmative with respect to China and in the negative with respect to Trinidad and Tobago.
As a result of the USITC’s affirmative determinations, the Department of Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from China. As a result of the Commission’s negative determinations, no orders will be issued on imports of this product from Trinidad and Tobago.
The Commission’s public report Melamine from China and Trinidad and Tobago (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-526-527 and 731-TA-1262-1263 (Final), USITC Publication 4585, December 2015) will contain the views of the Commissioners and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by January 6, 2015; 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
Office of Industries
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Melamine from China and Trinidad and Tobago
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-526-527 and 731-TA-1262-1263 (Final)
Product Description: Melamine is a white crystalline powder with chemical formula C3H6N6 and Chemical Abstracts Service ("CAS") registry number 108-78-1. The primary use for melamine is the production of melamine-formaldehyde resins. These resins are used in the production of laminates, surface coatings, adhesives, molding compounds, paper treatments, and other applications.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Final antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioner: Cornerstone Chemical Company, Waggaman, LA.
3. Investigation instituted by USITC: November 12, 2014.
4. USITC hearing: November 3, 2015.
5. USITC vote: December 2, 2015.
6. USITC determinations and views due to Commerce: December 16, 2015.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of producers in 2014: One.
2. Location of producer's plant: Louisiana.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2014: [1]
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2014: 1
5. Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2014: 1
U.S. Imports:
1. From the subject countries during 2014: $35.0 million.
2. From other countries during 2014: $18.1 million.
3. Leading sources during 2014: Trinidad and Tobago, China, the Netherlands, and Germany (in terms of total value).
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
# # #
News Release 15-114
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-973
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain wearable activity tracking devices, systems, and components thereof. The products at issue in the investigation are commercially available and wearable devices for improving health and fitness for consumers in the form of tracking devices that can gather data on movement, activity, sleep, and other parameters.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Fitbit, Inc., of San Francisco, CA, on November 2, 2015. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain wearable activity tracking devices, systems, and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by Fitbit. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order.
The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:
AliphCom d/b/a Jawbone of San Francisco, CA; and
BodyMedia, Inc., of Pittsburgh, PA.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-973), 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.