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News Release 15-052
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-437 and 731-TA-1060-1061 (Second Review)
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 countervailing duty order on carbazole violet pigment 23 from India and the antidumping duty orders on carbazole violet pigment 23 from China and India (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-437 and 731-TA-1060 and 1061 (Second Review)).
As a result of these votes, 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 finding, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the finding 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 finding 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 votes 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 votes 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 "carbazole violet pigment 23" 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 15-051
Inv. No(s). 332-345
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Shifts in U.S. Merchandise Trade 2014 (2014 Trade Shifts) is now available on the U.S. International Trade Commission Internet site.
The USITC, an independent, nonpartisan federal agency, continues to transform Trade Shifts, its annual comprehensive review of U.S. trade performance. The 2014 edition adds new interactive features, including graphics and supplemental data analysis tools that allow users to view and refine, as they choose, the official government data presented.
“The interactive features included in this year’s Trade Shifts release let users choose the individual data options they want to see to generate insights that build upon the Commission’s analysis, ” said USITC Chairman Meredith M. Broadbent. “The Commission committed in its strategic plan to adopt approaches to make its analysis, information, and expertise more easily available and functional, and Trade Shifts 2014 is a step in that direction.”
The 2014 Trade Shifts focuses on changes in U.S. exports and imports of agricultural and manufacturing industries and key natural resources, as well as changes in U.S. trade with China, Japan, the European Union, and sub-Saharan Africa. Also included are industry and market profiles for 10 sectors that include trade data for 2010-2014.
The 2014 release also includes a special topic discussion that defines common U.S. trade metrics and examines ways that changes in U.S. trade flows have affected certain trade measures. These changes range from wide-ranging reductions in U.S. tariffs to the growing importance of re-exports and the evolution of U.S. foreign-trade zones.
Highlights from the report include:
- The value of U.S. total exports grew by $43.9 billion (2.8 percent), in part because of the depreciation of the U.S. dollar during the first half of 2014 as well as the 7 percent expansion of the Chinese economy, the United States' third-largest export market. Three sectors accounted for just over half the overall value of U.S. total exports in 2014: transportation equipment, electronics, and chemicals.
- Re-exports’ share of U.S. total exports has been growing annually as firms increasingly use the United States as a distribution hub, particularly for merchandise destined to NAFTA countries. In 2014, re-exports were valued at $221.2 billion (14 percent of U.S. total exports). The top three sectors were: footwear (43 percent); electronics (37 percent); and textiles and apparel (19 percent). Within each of these sectors, re-exports were concentrated within individual industry segments (e.g., telecommunications equipment in the electronics sector).
- The value of U.S. general imports rose by $76.9 billion (3.4 percent), driven by the stronger U.S. economy and the corresponding upturn in personal spending and business investment. Three sectors accounted for just over half the overall value of U.S. general imports in 2014: electronics, transportation equipment, and energy.
- U.S. trade flows with the four key trading partners/regions profiled in 2014 Trade Shifts accounted for about 30 percent of U.S. total exports and almost half of U.S. general imports. U.S. trade balances with these partners/regions fluctuated in 2014. U.S. trade deficits with China and the EU continued to increase, while those with Japan and sub-Saharan Africa declined. Energy products and transportation equipment contributed to these changes, accounting for the largest shifts in value in both U.S. total exports and U.S. general imports.
Shifts in U.S. Merchandise Trade 2014 can be accessed at http://www.usitc.gov/research_and_analysis/trade_shifts_2014/index.htm.
News Release 15-050
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-959
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain electric skin care devices, brushes and chargers therefor, and kits containing the same. The products at issue in the investigation are electric devices with rapidly moving brush-heads for cleansing the skin.
The investigation is based on an amended complaint filed by Pacific Bioscience Laboratories, Inc., of Redmond, WA, on May 20, 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 electric skin care devices, brushes and chargers therefor, and kits containing the same that infringe patents asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a general exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:
Our Family Jewels, Inc., d/b/a Epipur Skincare of Parker, CO;
Accord Media LLC d/b/a Truth in Aging of New York, NY;
Xnovi Electronic Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen, China;
Michael Todd True Organics LP of Port St. Lucie, FL;
MTTO LLC of Port St. Lucie, FL;
Shanghai Anzikang Electric Co., Ltd., of Shanghai, China;
Nutra-Luxe M.D., LLC, of Fort Myers, FL;
Beauty Tech, Inc., of Coral Gables, FL;
Anex Corporation of Seoul, Republic of Korea;
RN Ventures Ltd., of London, United Kingdom;
Korean Beauty Co., Ltd., of Seoul, Republic of Korea;
H2Pro Beautylife, Inc., of Placentia, CA;
Serious Skin Care, Inc., of Carson City, NV;
Home Skinovations Inc. of Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada;
Home Skinovations Ltd. of Yokneam, Israel;
Wenzhou AI ER Electrical Technology Co., Ltd., d/b/a CNAIER of ZheJiang, China;
Coreana Cosmetics Co. Ltd., of Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea;
Flageoli Classic Limited of Las Vegas, NV;
Jewlzie of New York, NY;
Unicos USA, Inc., of La Habra, CA; and
Skincarebyalana of Dana Point, CA.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-959), 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 15-045
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-958
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain automated teller machines and point of sale devices and associated software thereof. The products at issue in the investigation include automated teller machines and point of sale devices that are primarily sold to gaming and entertainment establishments in the United States.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Global Cash Access Inc. of Las Vegas, NV, on May 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 automated teller machines and point of sale devices and associated software thereof by reason of infringement of a patent asserted by the complainant, and by reason of false advertising. 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:
NRT Technology Corp. of Toronto, Canada; and
NRT Technologies, Inc., of Las Vegas, NV.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-958), 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 15-043
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-957
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain touchscreen controllers and products containing the same. The products at issue in the investigation include touchscreens and related technology that are typically incorporated into smartphones and other similar devices.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Synaptics Incorporated of San Jose, CA, on April 21, 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 touchscreen controllers and products containing the same 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:
Shenzhen Huiding Technology Co., Ltd., a/k/a Shenzhen Goodix Technology Co., Ltd., of Futian Freetrade Zone, Shenzhen, China;
Goodix Technology Inc. of San Diego, CA; and
BLU Products, Inc. of Doral, FL.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-957), 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 15-042
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-514 and 731-TA-1250 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that the establishment of a U.S. industry is not materially retarded by reason of imports of 53-foot domestic dry containers from China that the U.S. Department of Commerce has determined are subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Chairman Meredith M. Broadbent, Vice Chairman Dean A. Pinkert, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, David S. Johanson, and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein voted in the negative. Commissioner F. Scott Kieff did not participate in the final phase of these investigations.
As a result of the USITC’s negative determinations, no antidumping or countervailing duty orders will be issued on imports of these products from China.
The Commission’s public report 53-Foot Domestic Dry Containers from China (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-514 and 731-TA-1250 (Final), USITC Publication 4537, June 2015) will contain the views of the Commissioners and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by June 22, 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
53-Foot Domestic Dry Containers from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-514 and 731-TA-1250 (Final)
Product Description: The product subject to investigation includes closed van containers exceeding 48 feet, but generally measuring 53 feet in length, which are designed to transport dry goods primarily by rail or by road vehicles, or by a combination of both modes, largely within North America. Domestic containers are closed on all sides, including the top, and accessed through lockable double doors at one end. Domestic containers are “dry” because they are not designed or intended for carrying liquids or goods requiring refrigeration. In addition, domestic containers have various handlings and fittings so that the containers can be lifted and then mounted on various platforms, such as a chassis, a railroad well car, or a ship, for movement.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Final antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioner: Stoughton Trailers, LLC.
3. Investigation instituted by USITC: April 23, 2014.
4. USITC hearing: April 16, 2015.
5. USITC vote: May 19, 2015.
6. USITC notification of Department of Commerce: June 1, 2015.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of U.S. producers in 2014: 2.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Wisconsin and Alabama.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2014: [1]
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments in 2014: 1
5. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2014: 1
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption in 2014: 1
U.S. Imports in 2014:
1. From the subject countries during 2014: 1
2. From other countries during 2014: 1
3. Leading sources during 2014: China.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 15-040
Inv. No(s). 332-345
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States is the world's largest services market and was the world’s leading exporter and importer of services in 2013, reports the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) in its new publication Recent Trends in U.S. Services Trade, 2015 Annual Report.
The USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, compiles the report annually. Each year's report presents a qualitative and quantitative overview of U.S. trade in services and highlights some of the service sectors and geographic markets that contribute substantially to recent services trade performance.
This year’s report focuses on distribution services and includes chapters on three specific industries: logistics services, maritime transport services, and retail services. Each chapter analyzes global market conditions in the industry, examines recent trade performance, and summarizes the industry’s outlook.
The report describes trade in services and its two main components -- cross-border transactions and affiliate sales. Highlights include:
- In 2013, the value of U.S. commercial services exports was $662.0 billion (14 percent of global services exports), while imports totaled $431.5 billion (10 percent of global services imports). Preliminary data for 2014 indicate that U.S. commercial services exports exceeded those in 2013 by 3.4 percent, or $22.7 billion, whereas U.S. imports were 4.1 percent higher ($7.7 billion) in 2014 than in 2013.
- From 2012 to 2013, U.S. cross-border services exports rose 5.1 percent (up from 5 percent in 2012), while U.S. services imports grew 3 percent (down from 4.5 percent in 2012). Distribution services accounted for 7 percent of exports and 14 percent of imports, resulting in a trade deficit of $13.6 billion in this subsector in 2013.
- Within the services sector, sales by foreign affiliates of U.S. firms -- the leading channel by which many U.S. services are delivered to foreign markets -- rose by 3.7 percent to almost $1.3 trillion in 2012. In 2012, top markets for sales by U.S.-owned affiliates were the United Kingdom (15 percent), Canada (10 percent), and Japan and Ireland (6 percent each). Distribution services accounted for $399.1 billion, or 31 percent, of the total.
- In 2013, private sector distribution services contributed $2.3 trillion to U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) and accounted for nearly 17 percent of total U.S. private sector GDP. The output of these services grew by 1.7 percent in 2013, slightly slower than the GDP growth in the private sector (2.2 percent). Among the distribution services industries, the GDP of maritime transport services grew the fastest in 2013 at 9.4 percent, followed by retail trade (2.4 percent), wholesale trade (1.6 percent), and logistics services (0.8 percent).
- The distribution services sector was one of the most important contributors to U.S. private sector employment in 2013. Overall, distribution services accounted for more than 21 percent of total private sector employment, or 23 million full-time equivalent (FTE) employees -- a share that has remained stable since 2008. Employment in retail services represented 57 percent of this total, followed by wholesale services (24 percent), logistics services (18 percent), and maritime transport services (0.3 percent). Labor productivity in distribution services grew at a steady, but modest pace during 2008–13, with an average output per worker of $98,370 in 2013.
- Since trade in distribution services is driven by consumer demand, fluctuations in income and consumer spending can have profound effects on the health of the industry. The global economic recession of 2008–09 caused revenue declines for the majority of distribution providers. Further, as global economies become more integrated, the distribution services industry has needed to evolve rapidly to address issues such as shifting global supply chains (i.e., “near-shoring”), advances in digital technology (i.e., e-commerce), and rising cost competition across all factors of production and distribution (i.e., transport and inventory costs). Most notably, technology has increasingly enabled manufacturers to bypass traditional wholesalers and retailers. Consequently, distribution services suppliers have grown more adaptive as supply chains compress and the use of Internet technologies to purchase goods increases.
- The USITC hosted its eighth annual services roundtable on October 16, 2014. The discussion, summarized in the report, focused on services trade in sub-Saharan Africa, ongoing international trade in services negotiations, and the assessment of services commitments.
Recent Trends in U.S. Services Trade, 2015 Annual Report (Investigation No. 332-345, USITC publication 4526, May 2015) is available on the USITC's Internet site at http://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub4526.pdf.
News Release 15-039
Inv. No(s). 332-501
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today released its annual compilation of reports published every two weeks on textile and apparel imports from China.
The report, Textile and Apparel Imports from China: Statistical Reports, Annual Compilation 2014, was requested by the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Ways and Means.
As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, produced an annual compilation of data that has been posted on a bi-weekly basis on the USITC website. The data in the report are shown on an annual and quarterly basis, by category and by Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) 10-digit subheadings.
By category, annual data are provided from 2008 through 2014, and quarterly data are provided from first quarter 2013 through fourth quarter 2014. By HTS10 subheading, annual data are provided from 2012 through 2014, and quarterly data are provided from first quarter 2013 through fourth quarter 2014.
Textile and Apparel Imports from China: Statistical Reports, Annual Compilation 2014 (Inv. No. 332-501, USITC publication 4535, May 2015) is available on the USITC's Internet site at http://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub4535.pdf.
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 15-038
Inv. No(s). 332-549
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The global rice market is characterized by relatively low trading volumes and heavy government intervention in both imports and exports, according to the U.S. International Trade Commission in its report Rice: Global Competitiveness of the U.S. Industry.
Exports only account for 8% of global rice production, significantly less than for other grains and oilseeds even though rice serves as a staple in the diet of more people than any other food, according to the report.
The USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, prepared the report at the request of the House Committee on Ways and Means.
The report states that government intervention is often aimed at keeping prices affordable, especially for low-income consumers. In some cases, government intervention also encourages domestic production to promote national self-sufficiency. Other highlights of the report include:
- Global rice production and consumption are highly concentrated in Asia. Rice is the primary staple food for most of the population in Asia, especially for the poor. [Read More]
- The top three worldwide exporters are India, Thailand, and Vietnam, followed by Pakistan and the United States.
- Of government policies for rice in place in 2013, import tariffs on rice in major consuming countries had the largest impact on U.S. production and exports. [Read More]
- The United States faces little direct competition in its domestic market, but in recent years it has lost market share in key export markets, such as Mexico, Central America, the European Union, Haiti, and Ghana. The United States exports about 50 percent of its production. [Read More]
- The major rice producing countries can be characterized as follows: 1) major consumers and surplus producers, 2) major consumers and importers, or 3) major exporters but not major consumers.
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Countries that are both major rice consumers and surplus producers, such as India and Thailand, typically provide support for rice producers and consumers. These countries also impose export controls if prices rise.
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Countries that are principally rice consuming and importing countries, such as Indonesia and the Philippines, typically provide a support for rice producers and consumers, and maintain control of rice imports, generally through state trading.
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Countries that are major exporters of rice but not major consumers, such as the United States and Uruguay, typically provide less extensive support for rice producers than do major consuming countries.
- Low-cost producers of long grain white rice (the most-commonly traded rice type and form) include Burma, Cambodia, India, Pakistan, Uruguay, and Vietnam, while the most highly reliable exporters of long grain white rice include Uruguay and the United States. [Read More]
As requested, the report provides:
- an overview of the rice industry in the United States and other major global producing and exporting countries,
- information on recent trade trends and developments in the global market for rice,
- a comparison of the competitive strengths and weaknesses of rice production and exports in the United States and other major exporting countries,
- a quantitative assessment of the impact of government policies and programs of major producing and exporting countries, and
- an overview of the impact on the U.S. rice industry of rice exports from the highlighted countries to the United States and to traditional markets of the United States.
The report features quantitative analyses of policies and production changes that affect the global rice industry. These policy measures include production policies, consumption policies, and trade policies. Quantitative analyses used the RiceFlow model, a global partial-equilibrium model of three types of rice (long grain, medium and short grain, and aromatic), and three different processing levels (paddy or rough, brown, and white rice). The report also includes information on competitiveness of rice production in selected producing countries. The report provides a description of rice production, consumption, and trade, by region, including:
- The United States [Read More]
- East Asia [Read More]
- South Asia [Read More]
- Southeast Asia Mainland [Read More]
- Southeast Asia Islands [Read More]
- South America [Read More]
Rice: Global Competitiveness of the U.S. Industry (Inv. No. 332-549, USITC publication 4530, April 2015) is available on the USITC's Internet site at http://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub4530.pdf.
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 USITC's objective findings and independent analyses on the subject investigated. The USITC 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 reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.
News Release 15-033
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-531-533 and 731-TA-1270-1273 (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 polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin from Canada, China, India, and Oman that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the governments of China, India, and Oman.
Chairman Meredith M. Broadbent, Vice Chairman Dean A. Pinkert, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, David S. Johanson, and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein voted in the affirmative. Commissioner F. Scott Kieff did not participate in these investigations.
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 Canada, China, India, and Oman, with its preliminary countervailing duty determinations due on or about June 3, 2015, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about August 17, 2015.
The Commission’s public report Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Resin from Canada, China, India, and Oman (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-531-533 and 731-TA-1270-1273 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4531, May 2015) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after May 21, 2015. 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
Certain Polyethylene Terephthalate Resin from Canada, China, India, and Oman
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-531-533 and 731-TA-1270-1273 (Preliminary)
Product Description: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Resin is a large-volume, commodity-grade thermoplastic polyester polymer. PET resin is primarily sold in bulk form as chips or pellets to downstream end users/converters. Converters use PET resin to manufacture bottles and other sterile containers that house liquid and solid products for human consumption or contact. Major end-use applications for bottle-grade PET resin include carbonated soft drink bottles, water bottles, and other containers such as for juices, peanut butter, jams and jellies, salad dressings, cooking oils, household cleaners, and cosmetics. Articles manufactured with PET resin are clear, transparent, sterile, lightweight, and thermally stable. The product scope defines packaging-grade PET resin having an intrinsic viscosity of at least 0.70, but not more than 0.88, deciliters per gram. Based upon the scope set forth by the U.S. Department of Commerce, information available to the Commission indicates that the merchandise subject to these investigations is imported under statistical reporting number 3907.60.0030 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioners: DAK Americas, LLC, Charlotte, NC; M&G Chemicals, Houston, TX; and Nan Ya Plastics Corporation, America, Lake City, SC.
3. Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC: March 10, 2015.
4. Commission’s conference: March 31, 2015.
5. USITC vote: April 23, 2015.
6. USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce: April 24, 2015.
7. USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: May 1, 2015.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of producers in 2014: Four.
2. Location of producers’ plants: North Carolina, South Carolina, and West Virginia.
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: $409 million.
3. Leading sources during 2014: Mexico, Canada, China, and India.
1 Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.