September 29, 2015
News Release 15-093
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
William M. Powers Named USITC Chief Economist and Director, Office of Economics

Meredith M. Broadbent, Chairman of the United States International Trade Commission (USITC), announced today that William M. Powers has been named Chief Economist and Director, Office of Economics, at the USITC.

Powers will serve as the Commission’s chief economic adviser; direct the agency’s professional economists; and support the Commission in its role as adviser to Congress and the President on international trade matters.

“Bill Powers has shown strong leadership in the Office of Economics as it has worked to find innovative solutions to new challenges,” said Chairman Broadbent.  “The Commission looks forward to benefiting from his expertise and creativity as we respond to increasingly complex analytical requests from the U.S. Trade Representative and our congressional oversight committees.”

Powers served as the Acting Director of the USITC Office of Economics from April 2015 until his appointment.  He was Chief of the Office of Economics Research Division from February 2014 until March 2015.  He joined the USITC as an International Economist in 2005, and in that role he contributed to numerous USITC general factfinding and probable economic effect investigations, served as a project leader or reviewer on such studies, and led the Commission’s global value chain research portfolio.  He has published on empirical trade topics including trade agreements, trade financing, and global value chains.  He worked with the President’s Council of Economic Advisors in the White House from 2008-2009.

Prior to his USITC employment, Powers was an adjunct lecturer in the Department of Economics and Management at Albion College in Albion, MI.  He taught English in Osaka, Japan, from 1992-1995, and he worked as a computer engineer at IBM in Poughkeepsie, NY, from 1990-1992.

Powers holds a Ph.D. in Economics and a Master of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Virginia. 

The U.S. International Trade Commission is an independent, nonpartisan, quasi-judicial federal agency that provides trade expertise to both the legislative and executive branches of government, determines the impact of imports on U.S. industries, and directs actions against certain unfair trade practices in import trade, such as patent and trademark infringement.

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September 24, 2015
News Release 15-092
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-545-547 and 731-TA-1291-1297 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations on Certain Hot-Rolled Steel Flat Products from Australia, Brazil, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the United Kingdom

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 certain hot-rolled steel flat products from Australia, Brazil, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the United Kingdom that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and allegedly subsidized by the governments of Brazil, Korea, and Turkey. 

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 these products from Australia, Brazil, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, with its preliminary countervailing duty determinations due on or about November 4, 2015, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about January 18, 2016. 

The Commission’s public report Certain Hot-Rolled Steel Flat Products from Australia, Brazil, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the United Kingdom (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-545-547 and 731-TA-1291-1297 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4570, October 2015) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after October 23, 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 Hot-Rolled Steel Flat Products
from Australia, Brazil, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the United Kingdom
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-545-547 and 731-TA-1291-1297 (Preliminary)

 

Product Description: The products covered by these investigations are certain hot-rolled steel flat products. The products covered include coils that have a width or other lateral measurement (“width”) of 12.7 mm or greater, regardless of thickness, and regardless of form of coil (e.g., in successively superimposed layers, spirally oscillating, etc.). The products covered also include products not in coils (e.g., in straight lengths) of a thickness of less than 4.75 mm and a width that is 12.7 mm or greater and that measures at least 10 times the thickness. Covered products include those with or without patterns in relief, and whether or not annealed, painted, varnished, or coated with plastics or other non-metallic substances. Covered products do not include those that are clad, plated, or coated with metal.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigations: Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty.
2.   Petitioners: AK Steel Corporation (West Chester, Ohio), ArcelorMittal USA, LLC (Chicago, Illinois), Nucor Corporation (Charlotte, North Carolina), SSAB Enterprises, LLC (Lisle, Illinois), Steel Dynamics, Inc. (Fort Wayne, Indiana), and United States Steel Corporation (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania).
3.   Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC: August 11, 2015.
4.   Commission’s conference: September 1, 2015.
5.   USITC vote: September 24, 2015.
6.   USITC determinations due: September 25, 2015.
7.   USITC views due: October 2, 2015.

U.S. Industry:

1.   Number of producers in 2014: Ten.
2.   Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina.
3.   Employment of production and related workers in 2014: 13,014.
4.   Apparent U.S. consumption in 2014: $44.3 billion ($21.3 billion merchant market).
5.   Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2014: 9.6%  (20.0% for merchant market).

U.S. Imports:

1.   From subject countries during 2014: $1.9 billion.
2.   From other countries during 2014: $2.3 billion.
3.   Leading sources during 2014, in terms of value: Canada, Korea, Russia, and Japan.

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September 18, 2015
News Release 15-091
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-967
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Document Cameras and Software for Use Therewith

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain document cameras and software for use therewith.  The products at issue in the investigation are high-resolution document cameras and software for use therewith that display, manipulate, zoom and resize high-resolution images and video.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Pathway Innovations & Technologies, Inc., of San Diego, CA, on August 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 document cameras and software for use therewith that infringe patents asserted by the complainant.  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:

Recordex USA, Inc., of Long Island City, NY;
QOMO HiteVision, LLC, of Wixom, MI; and
Adesso, Inc., of Walnut, CA.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-967), 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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September 18, 2015
News Release 15-090
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-966
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Silicon-on-Insulator Wafers

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain silicon-on-insulator (“SIO”) wafers.  The products at issue in the investigation are SOI wafers, which are used, for example, in the manufacture of radio frequency (“RF”) modules for smartphones and other mobile devices. 

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Silicon Genesis Corp. of San Jose, CA, on August 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 certain silicon-on-insulator wafers that infringe patents asserted by the complainant.  The complainant requests that the USITC issue an exclusion order and a cease and desist order.

The USITC has identified Soitec S.A., of Bernin, France, as the respondent in this investigation.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-966), 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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September 18, 2015
News Release 15-089
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1047 (Second Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Ironing Tables and Certain Parts Thereof from China

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on ironing tables and certain parts thereof from China would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determination, the existing order on imports of this product from China 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 this five-year (sunset) review.

The Commission’s public report Ironing Tables and Certain Parts Thereof from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-1047 (Review), USITC Publication 4568, September 2015) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.

The report will be available by October 19, 2015; 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 Ironing Tables and Certain Parts Thereof from China was instituted on May 5, 2015.

On August 4, 2015, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review.  All six Commissioners concluded that the domestic group response for this review was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for an expedited review.

A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct an expedited 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.

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September 15, 2015
News Release 15-087
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-523 and 731-TA-1259
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Boltless Steel Shelving Units Prepackaged for Sale from China Injure U.S. Industry, Says USITC

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of boltless steel shelving units prepackaged for sale from China that the U.S. Department of Commerce has determined are subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.

All six Commissioners voted in the affirmative. Vice Chairman Dean A. Pinkert and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, F. Scott Kieff, and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein made affirmative determinations on the basis of present injury.  Chairman Meredith M. Broadbent and Commissioner David S. Johanson made affirmative determinations on the basis of threat.

As a result of the USITC’s affirmative determinations, the Department of Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of these products from China.

The Commission’s public report Boltless Steel Shelving Units Prepackaged for Sale from China (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-523 and 731-TA-1259 (Final), USITC Publication 4565, September 2015) will contain the views of the Commissioners and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by October 19, 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

Boltless Steel Shelving Units Prepackaged for Sale from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-523 and 731-TA-1259 (Final)

Product Description:  Boltless steel shelving units that are prepackaged for sale are used for storage in homes, basements, garages, offices, and commercial and industrial operations. “Boltless” refers to a system of assembly that uses rivets or other protrusions on horizontal support members that fit into slots in the vertical posts of the units. By avoiding the need for nuts and bolts, screws, or tubular collars on the posts, the boltless system does not require tools for assembly. The prepackaged unit, containing all the appropriate parts, is sold in a number of common sizes, either with or without decking (i.e., shelves).

Status of Proceedings:

1. Type of investigation:  Final antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioner:  Edsal Manufacturing Co. Inc., Chicago, IL.
3. Investigation instituted by USITC:  August 26, 2014.
4. USITC hearing:  August 13, 2015.
5. USITC vote:  September 15, 2015.
6. USITC notification of Department of Commerce:  September 28, 2015.

U.S. Industry:

1. Number of U.S. producers in 2014:  4.
2. Location of producers’ plants:  Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, and Tennessee.
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 country during 2014:  1
2. From other countries during 2014:  1
3. Leading source during 2014:  China.


[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.

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September 10, 2015
News Release 15-086
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-540-544 and 731-TA-1283-1290 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations on Cold-Rolled Steel Flat Products from Brazil, China, India, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the United Kingdom; Terminates Investigation Concerning the Netherlands

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of cold-rolled steel flat products from Brazil, China, India, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the United Kingdom that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and allegedly subsidized by the governments of Brazil, China, India, Korea, and Russia. 

The Commission further determined that imports of these products from the Netherlands are negligible.

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 with respect to imports of these products from Brazil, China, India, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the United Kingdom.  These five Commissioners made findings of negligibility with respect to imports of these products from the Netherlands.  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 these products from Brazil, China, India, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the United Kingdom, with its preliminary countervailing duty determinations due on or about October 21, 2015, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about January 4, 2016. 

As a result of the Commission’s finding of negligibility, the investigation on imports of these products from the Netherlands will be terminated.

The Commission’s public report Cold-Rolled Steel Flat Products from Brazil, China, India, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Russia, and the United Kingdom (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-540-544 and 731-TA-1283-1290 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4564, September 2015) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after October 9, 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

Cold-Rolled Steel Flat Products from Brazil, China, India, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Russia, and the United Kingdom
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-540-544 and 731-TA-1283-1290 (Preliminary)

Product Description: The products covered by these investigations are certain cold-rolled (rolled at ambient temperature) flat-rolled steel products, neither clad, plated, nor coated with metal, but whether or not annealed, painted, varnished, or coated with plastics or other non-metallic substances and can be wound in coils or in straight lengths. Cold-rolled steel products are used in a variety of applications including automotive, construction, container, appliance, and electrical equipment manufacturing.

Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations:  Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioners: AK Steel Corp., West Chester, OH; ArcelorMittal USA LLC, Chicago, IL; Nucor Corp., Charlotte, NC; Steel Dynamics, Inc., Fort Wayne, IN; United States Steel Corp., Pittsburgh, PA.
3. Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC: July 28, 2015.
4. Commission’s conference: August 18, 2015.
5. USITC vote: September 10, 2015.
6. USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce: September 11, 2015.
7. USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: September 18, 2015.

U.S. Industry:
1. Number of producers in 2014: Twelve.
2. Location of producers’ plants:  Alabama, Arkansas, California, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Washington, West Virginia.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2014: 10,935.
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2014: $21.9 million ($10.0 million merchant market).
5. Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2014: 9.3 percent (20.2 percent merchant market).

U.S. Imports:
1. From the subject countries during 2014:  $1.2 billion.
2. From other countries during 2014:  $827.4 million.
3. Leading sources during 2014: China, Canada, Korea, and Japan (in terms of total value).

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September 4, 2015
News Release 15-085
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-473 and 731-TA-1173 (Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Will Expedite Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Certain Potassium Phosphate Salts from China

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC or Commission) has voted to expedite its five-year (“sunset”) reviews concerning the countervailing duty order and the antidumping duty order on certain potassium phosphate salts from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-473 and 731-TA-1173 (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 response was 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 "potassium phosphate salts" 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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September 4, 2015
News Release 15-084
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-465 and 731-TA-1161 (Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Will Expedite Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Certain Steel Grating from China

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC or Commission) has voted to expedite its five-year (“sunset”) reviews concerning the countervailing duty order and the antidumping duty order on certain steel grating from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-465 and 731-TA-1161 (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 response was 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 "steel grating" 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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September 4, 2015
News Release 15-083
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1070B
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Will Conduct Full Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Certain Tissue Paper Products from China

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 certain tissue paper products from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-1070B (Second Review)).

As a result of this vote, the Commission will conduct a full review to determine whether revocation of this finding 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.

All six Commissioners concluded that the domestic group response for this review was adequate and that the respondent group response was inadequate.  Chairman Meredith M. Broadbent and Commissioners David S. Johanson and F. Scott Kieff voted for a full review, finding that circumstances warranted a full review.  Vice Chairman Dean A. Pinkert and Commissions Irving A. Williamson and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein voted for an expedited review.

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 "tissue paper products" 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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