January 5, 2016
News Release 16-005
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-468 and 731-TA-1166-1167 (Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determinations in Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Certain Magnesia Carbon Bricks from China and Mexico

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on certain magnesia carbon bricks from China and Mexico 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 China and Mexico will remain in place. 

All six Commissioners 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 Certain Magnesia Carbon Bricks from China and Mexico (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-468 and 731-TA-1166-1167 (Review), USITC Publication 4589, January 2016) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.

The report will be available by February 5, 2016; 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 Certain Magnesia Carbon Bricks from China and Mexico were instituted on August 3, 2015.

On November 6, 2015, the Commission voted to conduct expedited reviews.  All six Commissioners concluded that the domestic group response for these reviews was adequate and the respondent group responses were inadequate and voted for expedited reviews.

A record of the Commission’s vote 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.

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January 4, 2016
News Release 16-004
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-469 and 731-TA-1168 (Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Will Expedite Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Certain Seamless Carbon and Alloy Steel Standard, Line, and Pressure Pipe from China

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC or Commission) has voted to expedite its five-year (“sunset”) reviews concerning the antidumping and countervailing duty orders on certain seamless carbon and alloy steel standard, line, and pressure pipe from China.

As a result of this vote, the Commission will conduct expedited 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.

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.

All six Commissioners concluded that the domestic group response for these reviews was adequate and the respondent group responses were inadequate and voted for expedited reviews. 

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 "seamless carbon and alloy steel standard, line, and pressure pipe" 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.

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January 4, 2016
News Release 16-003
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-470-471 and 731-TA-1169-1170 (Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Will Conduct Full Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Certain Coated Paper Suitable for High-Quality Print Graphics Using Sheet-Fed Presses from China and Indonesia

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.

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January 4, 2016
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
USITC Will Conduct Full Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Iron Construction Castings from Brazil, Canada, and China

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.

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January 4, 2016
News Release 16-001
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1174-1175 (Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Will Conduct Full Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Seamless Refined Copper Pipe and Tube from China and Mexico

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.

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December 30, 2015
News Release 15-125
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-978
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Chassis Parts Incorporating Movable Sockets and Components Thereof

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.

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December 17, 2015
News Release 15-124
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-977
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Arrowheads with Deploying Blades and Components Thereof and Packaging Therefor

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain arrowheads with deploying blades and components thereof and packaging therefor.  The products at issue in the investigation are arrowheads for hunting with blades that deploy upon impacting a target.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by FeraDyne Outdoors LLC and Out RAGE LLC, both of Cartersville, GA, on November 17, 2015.  A supplement to the complaint was filed on December 4, 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 arrowheads with deploying blades and components thereof and packaging therefor that infringe patents and a trademark asserted by the complainants.  The complainants request that the USITC issue a general exclusion order and cease and desist orders.

The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:

Linyi Junxing Sports Equipment Co., Ltd., of Linyi, Shandong, China;
Ningbo Faith Sports Co., Ltd., of Ningbo, Zhejiang, China;
Ningbo Forever Best Import & Export Co. Ltd. of Jiangsu, China;
Ningbo Linkboy Outdoor Sports Co., Ltd., of Ningbo, Zhejiang, China;
Shenzhen Zowaysoon Trading Company Ltd. of Shenzhen, China;
Xiamen Xinhongyou Industrial Trade Co. Ltd. of Xiamen, Fujian, China;
Xiamen Zhongxinyuan Industry & Trade Ltd. of Xiamen, Fujian, China;
Zhengzhou IRQ Trading Limited Company of Henan, China; and
Zhengzhou Paiao Trade Co., Ltd., of Zhengzhou, Henan, China.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-977), 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.

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December 15, 2015
News Release 15-123
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-976
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Woven Textile Fabrics and Products Containing Same

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.

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December 14, 2015
News Release 15-122
Inv. No(s). TA-103-028
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Launches New Investigation on Possible Modifications to the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement Rules of Origin

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.

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December 14, 2015
News Release 15-121
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-975
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Computer Cables, Chargers, Adapters, Peripheral Devices, and Packaging Containing the Same

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.

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