USITC | United States International Trade Commission

April 19, 2012
News Release 12-043
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1185 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

Certain Steel Nails from the United Arab Emirates Injure U.S. Industry, Says USITC

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of certain steel nails from the United Arab Emirates that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value.

All six Commissioners voted in the affirmative.

As a result of the USITC's affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping duty orders on imports of these products from the United Arab Emirates.

The Commission's public report Certain Steel Nails from the United Arab Emirates (Investigation No. 731-TA-1185 (Final), USITC Publication 4321, May 2012) will contain the views of the Commissioners and information developed during the investigations.

Copies may be obtained after May 23, 2012, by emailing pubrequest@usitc.gov, calling 202-205-2000, or by writing the Office of the Secretary, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may also be made by fax to 202-205-2104.

UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Office of Industries
Washington, DC 20436

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Certain Steel Nails from the United Arab Emirates
Investigation No. 731-TA-1185 (Final)

Product Description: The imported products subject to this investigation are certain steel nails having a shaft length up to 12 inches. Certain steel nails include, but are not limited to, nails made of round wire and nails that are cut. Certain steel nails may be of one piece construction or constructed of two or more pieces. Certain steel nails may be produced from any type of steel, and have a variety of finishes, heads, shanks, point types, shaft lengths and shaft diameters. Certain steel nails may be sold in bulk, or they may be collated into strips or coils using materials such as plastic, paper, or wire. Certain steel nails subject to this investigation are currently classified under Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States subheadings 7317.00.55, 7317.00.65, and 7317.00.75. A number of specific types of nails are excluded from this investigation, primarily certain types of roofing nails, and certain nails for use in powder- actuated or gas-actuated hand tools.

Status of Proceedings:

1.  Type of investigation:  Final antidumping.
2.  Petitioner:  Mid Continent Nail Corporation, Poplar Bluff, Missouri.
3.  Investigation instituted by USITC:  March 31, 2011.
4.  USITC hearing:  March 20, 2012.
5.  USITC vote:  April 19, 2012.
6.  Scheduled date for USITC notification of Department of Commerce:  May 2, 2012.

U.S. Industry:

1.  Number of U.S. producers: 12.
2.  Location of producers' plants:  Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois,
          Indiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, and Wisconsin.
3.  Employment of production and related workers in 2011:  506.
4.  Apparent U.S. consumption in 2011:  $776,423,000.
5.  Ratio of the value of imports from the United Arab Emirates to total U.S. consumption in
          2011: 16.8 percent.

U.S. Imports:

1.  Total value of imports during 2011:  $592,634,000.
2.  Leading sources during 2011:  China, United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, and Korea (in terms of
          total value).

# # #

April 17, 2012
News Release 12-041
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-478 (Final), 731-TA-1182 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

Certain Steel Wheels from China Do Not Injure U.S. Industry, Says USITC

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is not materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of certain steel wheels from China that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.

All six Commissioners voted in the negative.

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 Certain Steel Wheels from China (Investigation Nos. 701-TA- 478 and 731-TA-1182 (Final), USITC Publication 4319, April 2012) will contain the views of the Commissioners and information developed during the investigations.

Copies may be obtained after May 21, 2012, by emailing pubrequest@usitc.gov, calling 202-205-2000, or by writing the Office of the Secretary, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may also be made by fax to 202-205-2104.

UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Office of Industries
Washington, DC 20436

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Certain Steel Wheels from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-478 and 731-TA-1182 (Final)

Product Description: These investigations cover steel wheels with a wheel diameter of 18 to 24.5 inches. Rims and discs for such wheels are included, whether imported as an assembly or separately. These products are used with both tubed and tubeless tires. Steel wheels, whether or not attached to tires or axles, are included. However, if the steel wheels are imported as an assembly attached to tires or axles, the tire or axle is not covered by the scope. The scope includes steel wheels, discs, and rims of carbon and/or alloy composition and clad wheels, discs, and rims when carbon or alloy steel represents more than fifty percent of the product by weight. The scope includes wheels, rims, and discs, whether coated or uncoated, regardless of the type of coating. Certain steel wheels are classifiable in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States under subheading 8708.70 (covering road wheels for motor vehicles and parts and accessories of such wheels). Subject wheels for tractors are provided for in subheadings 8708.70.05 (agricultural) and 8708.70.25 (other tractors); parts and accessories for such wheels are provided for in subheadings 8708.70.15 and 8708.70.35, respectively. Subject wheels for vehicles other than tractors are provided for in subheading 8708.70.45 and are imported under statistical reporting number 8708.70.4530. Parts and accessories for such wheels are provided for in subheading 8708.70.60 and are imported under statistical reporting numbers 8708.70.6030 (wheel rims), 8708.70.6045 (wheel covers), or 8708.70.6060 (other parts of road wheels).

Status of Proceedings:

1. Type of investigations: Final antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioners: Accuride Corp., Evansville, IN; and Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.,
       Northville, MI.
3. Investigations instituted by USITC: March 30, 2011.
4. USITC hearing: March 8, 2012.
5. USITC vote: April 17, 2012.
6. USITC notification of Department of Commerce: April 30, 2012.

U.S. Industry:

1. Number of U.S. producers: 5.
2. Location of producers' plants: Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, and Missouri. 
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2010:  (1)
4. U.S. producers' U.S. shipments in 2010: (1)
5. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2010: (1)  
6. Ratio of subject imports from China to apparent U.S. consumption in 2010: (1)

U.S. Imports in 2010:

1. Quantity of subject imports from China: (1)
2. Value of subject imports from China: (1)

(1) Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.

# # #

April 17, 2012
News Release 12-040
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-477 (Final), 731-TA-1180-1181 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

Bottom Mount Combination Refrigerator-Freezers from Korea and Mexico Do Not Injure U.S. Industry, Says USITC

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is not materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of bottom mount refrigerator-freezers from Korea that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized and from Korea and Mexico that Commerce has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Vice Chairman Irving A. Williamson and Commissioners Daniel R. Pearson, Shara L. Aranoff, Dean A. Pinkert, and David S. Johanson voted in the negative. Chairman Deanna Tanner Okun did not participate in 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 Korea and Mexico.

The Commission's public report Bottom Mount Refrigerator-Freezers from Korea and Mexico (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-477 and 731-TA-1180-1181 (Final), USITC Publication 4318, April 2012) will contain the views of the Commissioners and information developed during the investigations.

UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Office of Industries
Washington, DC 20436

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Bottom Mount Combination Refrigerator-Freezers from Korea and Mexico
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-477 and 731-TA-1180-1181 (Final)

Product Description: This investigation covers bottom mount combination refrigerator-freezers from Korea and Mexico. A bottom mount combination refrigerator-freezer for the purpose of these investigation denotes freestanding or built-in cabinets that have an integral source of refrigeration using compression technology. A bottom mount combination refrigerator-freezer contains a compartment that is capable of storing food at temperatures above 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius), a freezer compartment capable of storing food at temperatures at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius), and a convertible compartment that is capable of operating as either a refrigerator compartment or a freezer compartment, as defined above. The products subject to the investigation are currently classifiable under subheadings 8418.10.0010, 8418.10.0020, 8418.10.0030, and 8418.10.0040 of the Harmonized Tariff System of the United States ("HTS"). Products subject to the investigation may also enter under subheadings 8418.21.0010, 8418.21.0020, 8418.21.0030, 8418.21.0090, and 8418.99.4000, 8418.99.8050, 8418.99.8060.

Status of Proceedings:                            

1. Type of investigations: Final antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioner: Whirlpool Corp.
3. Investigations instituted by USITC: April 6, 2011.
4. USITC hearing: March 13, 2012.
5. USITC vote: April 17, 2012.
6. USITC notification of Department of Commerce: May 9, 2012.

U.S. Industry:

1. Number of U.S. producers: 5.
2. Location of producers' plants: Iowa, Wisconsin, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee. 
3. Employment of production and related workers of bottom mount combination refrigerator-freezers in 2011: (1)
4. U.S. producers' U.S. shipments of bottom mount combination refrigerator-freezers in 2011: (1)   
5. Apparent U.S. consumption of bottom mount combination refrigerator-freezers in 2011: (1)
6. Ratio of subject imports from Korea and Mexico to apparent U.S. consumption in 2011: (1)

U.S. Imports in 2011:

1. Quantity of subject imports from Korea and Mexico: (1)
2. Value of subject imports from Korea and Mexico: (1)

(1) Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.

# # #

April 13, 2012
News Release 12-038
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-489(P), 731-TA-1201 (P)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Votes to Continue Cases On Drawn Stainless Steel Sinks from China

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 drawn stainless steel sinks from China that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.

All six Commissioners voted in the affirmative.

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, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about May 25, 2012, and its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about August 8, 2012.

The Commission's public report Drawn Stainless Steel Sinks from China (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-489 and 731-TA-1201 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4317, April 2012) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

Copies of the report are expected to be available after May 14, 2012, by emailing pubrequest@usitc.gov, calling 202-205-2000, or writing to the Office of the Secretary, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may also be faxed to 202-205-2104.

UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Office of Industries
Washington, DC 20436

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Drawn Stainless Steel Sinks from China

Investigations No. 701-TA-489 and 731-TA-1201 (Preliminary)

Product Description: Drawn stainless steel sinks are characterized by a seamless basin and rim, shaped by forming (drawing), punching, and stamping operations from a single stainless steel sheet blank, in contrast to nonsubject fabricated sinks which are assembled by bending and welding together one or more stainless steel sheets. The stainless steel surfaces of drawn sinks provide a combination of strength, light weight, flexibility, toughness, stain and heat resistance, easy maintenance, and aesthetic appeal particularly for their most common end-use application in residential kitchens. Whether consisting of only a single basin or of multiple basins joined together, these sinks are typically available in two different mounting configurations, for either top (drop-in) mounting above the countertop or for undermounting beneath the countertop.

Status of Proceedings:

1.  Type of investigations:  Preliminary countervailing duty and antidumping.
2.  Petitioner:  Elkay Manufacturing Company, Oak Brook, IL.
3.  Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC:  March 1, 2012.
4.  Commission's conference:  March 22, 2012.
5.  USITC vote:  April 13, 2012.
6.  USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce:  April 16, 2012.
7.  USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce:  April 23, 2012.

U.S. Industry:

1.  Number of producers in 2011:  Six.
2.  Locations of producers' plants:  Delaware, Illinois, Louisiana, New York, North Carolina,
        Pennsylvania, and Utah.
3.  Employment of production and related workers in 2011: (1)
4.  Apparent U.S. consumption in 2011:  $303.9 million.
5.  Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2011: (1)

U.S. Imports:

1.  From the subject country during 2011:  $119.1 million.
2.  From other countries during 2011: (1)
3.  Leading sources during 2011:  China and Mexico (in terms of total value).

-- 30 --

(1) Withheld to avoid revealing business proprietary information.

# # #

April 12, 2012
News Release 12-037
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-683 (Third Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Fresh Garlic from China

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on fresh garlic 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 these five-year (sunset) reviews.

The Commission's public report Fresh Garlic from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-683 (Third Review), USITC Publication 4316, April 2012) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.

Copies may be requested after May 18, 2012, by emailing pubrequest@usitc.gov, calling 202-205- 2000, or writing to the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may be made by fax at 202-205-2104.

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 Fresh Garlic from China was instituted on September 1, 2011.

On December 5, 2011, 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.

# # #

April 10, 2012
News Release 12-035
Inv. No(s). 332-530
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC To Report on Trade Facilitation in the East African Community

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input for a newly initiated investigation on trade facilitation in the East African Community (EAC).

The investigation, Trade Facilitation in the East African Community: Recent Developments and Potential Benefits, was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in a letter received on March 28, 2012.

In requesting the study, the USTR noted that the United States and the EAC recently began preliminary discussions on a potential new trade and investment partnership that aims to support regional integration and greater U.S.-EAC trade and investment. He said he believes that one of the initial steps under this initiative that could have the most immediate benefit to U.S.-EAC, regional, and multilateral trade would be engagement with the EAC on customs clearance and other practices at the border.

As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will provide a summary of recent developments relating to trade facilitation in the EAC. The USITC report will include a description of the potential benefits of trade facilitation to the EAC countries, based on empirical studies and the experiences of other developing countries. For purposes of the study, trade facilitation means the simplification of customs procedures affecting the movement of goods across borders, as well as improvements to transport infrastructure.

The USITC expects to submit its report to the USTR by July 2, 2012.

Although the information in the report will be based principally on a review of the available literature, the USITC is seeking input for its new investigation from all interested parties. 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 May 10, 2012.

Further information on the scope of this investigation and the procedures for written submissions is available in the USITC's notice of investigation, dated April 9, 2012, which can be downloaded from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or by contacting the Secretary at the above address.

# # #

March 26, 2012
News Release 12-029
Inv. No(s). Korea FTA-103-026
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC To Investigate the Effect of Correcting the U.S.-Korea Product-Specific Rules of Origin

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input for a newly initiated investigation on the effect of correcting the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement product-specific rules of origin.

The investigation, Effect of Adding References to HS 6104.32 to Correct the U.S.-Korea Product-Specific Rules of Origin, was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in a letter received on March 22, 2012.

As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will provide advice on the probable effect on U.S. trade under the FTA and total U.S. trade of correcting the U.S.-Korea product-specific rules of origin by adding references to HS 6104.32. HS 6104.32 covers women's or girls' knit cotton suit-type jackets and blazers. The USTR explained in his request letter that HS 6104.32 had been inadvertently omitted from both the English and Korean language versions of the FTA through a clerical error. The USTR's request letter can be viewed at: http://www.usitc.gov/research_and_analysis/ongoing/documents/Request_Letter_103-026_KORUS_HTS_Correction.pdf.

The USITC expects to submit its advice to the USTR by May 22, 2012.

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 April 18, 2012.

Further information on the scope of this investigation and the procedures for written submissions is available in the USITC's notice of investigation, dated March 26, 2012, which can be downloaded from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or by contacting the Secretary at the above address.

# # #

March 23, 2012
News Release 12-028
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

Dobrzykowski Designated USITC Chief Financial Officer

Deanna Tanner Okun, Chairman of the United States International Trade Commission (USITC), announced today that William E. Dobrzykowski has been designated as Chief Financial Officer at the USITC.

Dobrzykowski will direct the activities of the USITC's Offices of Finance, Budget, and Procurement and serve as the primary adviser to the Commission on all financial matters.

Dobrzykowski brings over 20 years of financial management experience in both the private and public sectors to the position. Prior to his USITC appointment, he held chief financial officer responsibilities with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae, an agency within HUD), the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation (FSLIC), and the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, as well as two international non-profit organizations. Earlier in his career, he worked in senior accounting positions with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Power Commission. In addition to his federal positions, he has served as an executive financial consultant to U.S. government agencies and private sector organizations.

Dobrzykowski holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Maryland and is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Government Financial Manager. He is married to Susan, and they have three children and five grandchildren.

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency that makes determinations concerning the impact of imports and their potential injury on domestic companies. The USITC staff includes experts who analyze virtually every commodity imported into the United States. The USITC provides data on international trade to the President, Congress, other federal agencies, and the public.

# # #

March 21, 2012
News Release 12-027
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-313 (Third Review), 731-TA-314 (Third Review), 731-TA-317 (Third Review), 731-TA-379 (Third Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Brass Sheet and Strip from France, Germany, Italy, and Japan

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty orders on brass sheet and strip from France, Germany, Italy, and Japan 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 orders on imports of these products from France, Germany, Italy, and Japan will remain in place.

Chairman Deanna Tanner Okun, Vice Chairman Irving A. Williamson, and Commissioners Shara L. Aranoff, Dean A. Pinkert, and David S. Johanson voted in the affirmative with respect to all countries. Commissioner Daniel R. Pearson voted in the affirmative with respect to Germany, Italy, and Japan and in the negative with respect to France.

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 reportBrass Sheet and Strip from France, Germany, Italy, and Japan (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-313, 314, 317, and 379 (Third Review), USITC Publication 4313, April 2012) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.

Copies may be requested after May 4, 2012, by emailing pubrequest@usitc.gov, calling 202-205-2000, or writing to the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may be made by fax at 202-205-2104.

BACKGROUND

The five-year (sunset) reviews concerning Brass Sheet and Strip from France, Germany, Italy, and Japan were instituted on March 1, 2011.

On June 6, 2011, the Commission voted to conduct full reviews. With regard to France, Italy, and Japan, all six Commissioners found that the domestic group responses were adequate and the respondent group responses were inadequate, but that circumstances warranted full reviews. With regard to Germany, all six Commissioners found that the both the domestic group response and the respondent group responses were adequate and voted for a full review.

A record of the Commission's vote to conduct full 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.

# # #

March 20, 2012
News Release 12-026
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-472 (Third Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Silicon Metal from China

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on silicon metal 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.

Vice Chairman Irving A. Williamson and Commissioners Daniel R. Pearson, Shara L. Aranoff, Dean A. Pinkert, and David S. Johanson voted in the affirmative. Chairman Deanna Tanner Okun did not participate in this review.

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 Silicon Metal from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-472 (Third Review), USITC Publication 4312, March 2012) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.

Copies may be requested after April 20, 2012, by emailing pubrequest@usitc.gov, calling 202-205-2000, or writing to the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may be made by fax at 202-205-2104.

BACKGROUND

The five-year (sunset) review concerning Silicon Metal from China was instituted on November 1, 2011.

On February 6, 2012, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review. Vice Chairman Irving A. Williamson and Commissioners Daniel R. Pearson, Shara L. Aranoff, Dean A. Pinkert, and David S. Johanson concluded that the domestic group response for this review was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for an expedited review. Chairman Deanna Tanner Okun did not participate in this review.

# # #

Subscribe to USITC