USITC | United States International Trade Commission

March 14, 2012
News Release 12-025
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1089 (Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Certain Orange Juice from Brazil

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on certain orange juice from Brazil would not be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.

As a result of the Commission's negative determination, the existing order on imports of this product from Brazil will be revoked.

All six Commissioners voted in the negative.

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 Certain Orange Juice from Brazil (Inv. No. 731-TA-1089 (Review), USITC Publication 4311, April 2012) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.

Copies may be requested after April 17, 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 Certain Orange Juice from Brazil was instituted on February 1, 2011.

On May 9, 2011, the Commission voted to conduct a full review. All six Commissioners determined that 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 a full 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.

# # #

February 22, 2012
News Release 12-020
Inv. No(s). 332-529
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Begins Investigation Concerning Possible Modifications to the U.S. GSP, 2011 Review of Additions and Competitive Need Limitation Waivers

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input for a newly initiated investigation concerning possible modifications to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

The investigation, Advice Concerning Possible Modifications to the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences, 2011 Review of Additions and Competitive Need Limitation Waivers (Investigation No. 332-529), was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

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 hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation at 9:30 a.m. on March 30, 2012. Requests to appear at the public hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on March 12, 2012, with the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. In the event that no requests to appear at the hearing are received by the close of business on March 12, 2012, the hearing will be canceled. For further information, please call 202-205-2595.

The USITC also welcomes written submissions for the record. Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary to the Commission at the above address and should be submitted at the earliest practical date but no later than 5:15 p.m. on April 4, 2012.

As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will provide advice on the likely impact on competing U.S. industries of the addition of the following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) subheadings:

For all GSP-eligible countries:

3923.21.00 (sacks and bags (including cones) for the conveyance or packing of goods, of polymers of ethylene).

For least-developed beneficiary developing countries (LDBDC):

5201.00.18 (cotton, not carded or combed, having a staple length under 28.575 mm (1-1/8 inches), n/harsh or rough, nesoi),
5201.00.22 (cotton, not carded or combed, staple length 28.575 mm or more but under 34.925 mm, described in gen. note 15),
5201.00.24 (cotton,/carded or combed, harsh or rough, staple length 29.36875 mm or more but n/o 34.925 mm, white in color, quota described in chapter 52 add'l US note 6),
5201.00.28 (cotton, not carded or combed, harsh or rough, staple length of 29.36875 mm or more but under 34.925 mm & white in color, nesoi),
5201.00.34 (cotton, not carded or combed, staple length of 28.575 mm or more but under 34.925 mm, other, quota described in chapter 52 add'l US note 7),
5201.00.38 (cotton, not carded or combed, staple length of 28.575 mm or more but under 34.925 mm, nesoi),
5202.91.00 (cotton garnetted stock),
5202.99.30 (Cotton card strips made from cotton waste having staple length under 30.1625 mm & lap, sliver & roving waste, nesoi),
5203.00.05 (cotton fibers, carded or combed, of cotton fiber processed but not spun, described in gen. note 15),
5203.00.10 (cotton fibers, carded or combed, of cotton fiber processed but not spun, quota described in chapter 52 add'l US note 10),
5203.00.30 (cotton fibers, carded or combed, of cotton fiber processed, but not spun, nesoi), and
5203.00.50 (cotton carded or combed, excluding fibers of cotton processed but not spun).

The USITC also will provide advice on the likely impact on competing U.S. industries of competitive need limitation waivers on the following 9 HTS subheadings for certain countries:

1602.50.20 (prepared or preserved beef in airtight containers, other than corned beef, not containing cereals or vegetables) from Argentina,
2840.19.00 (disodium tetraborate (refined borax) except anhydrous) from Turkey,
2921.19.60 (other acyclic monoamines and their derivatives) from Philippines,
2922.41.00 (lysine and its esters and salts thereof) from Brazil,
3307.41.00 ("agarbatti" and other odoriferous preparations which operate by burning, to perfume or deodorize rooms or used during religious rites) from India,
4015.19.10 (seamless gloves of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber, other than surgical or medical gloves) from Thailand,
7606.12.30 (aluminum alloy, plates/sheets/strip, w/thick. o/0.2mm, rectangular (inc. sq), not clad) from Indonesia,
8415.90.80 (parts for air conditioning machines, nesi) from Thailand, and
8708.30.50 (pts. & access. of mtr. vehicles of 8701, nesoi, and 8702-8705, brakes and servo-brakes & pts thereof) from India.

The USITC will submit its confidential report to USTR by May 14, 2012. As soon as possible thereafter, the USITC, as requested by USTR, will issue a public version of the report containing only the unclassified sections, with any business confidential information and classified information deleted.

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.

# # #

February 14, 2012
News Release 12-016
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-539-C (Third Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Uranium from Russia

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that terminating the suspended antidumping duty investigation on uranium from Russia 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 suspension agreement 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 Uranium from Russia (Inv. No. 731-TA-539-C (Third Review), USITC Publication 4307, February 2012) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.

Copies may be requested after March 16, 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 Uranium from Russia was instituted on July 1, 2012.

On October 4, 2011, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review. Vice Chairman Irving A. Williamson, and Commissioners Daniel R. Pearson, Shara L. Aranoff, and Dean A. Pinkert concluded that the domestic group response for this review was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for an expedited review. Then-Commissioner Charlotte R. Lane concluded that the domestic group response for this review was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate but that circumstances warranted a full review. Chairman Deanna Tanner Okun did not participate in this 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.

# # #

February 10, 2012
News Release 12-015
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-488, 731-TA-1199-1200 (P)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Votes to Continue Cases on Certain Large Residential Washers from Korea and Mexico (Preliminary)

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 large residential washers from Korea that are allegedly subsidized and from Korea and Mexico that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Vice Chairman Irving A. Williamson and Commissioners Shara L. Aranoff, Dean A. Pinkert, and David S. Johanson voted in the affirmative. Commissioner Daniel R. Pearson voted in the negative. Chairman Deanna Tanner Okun 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, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination regarding Korea due on or about March 24, 2012, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations regarding Korea and Mexico due on or about June 7, 2012.

The Commission's public report Certain Large Residential Washers from Korea and Mexico (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-488 and 731-TA-1199-1200 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4306, February 2012) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

Copies of the report are expected to be available after March 13, 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

Certain Large Residential Washers from Korea and Mexico
Investigations Nos. 701-TA-488 and 731-TA-1199-1200 (Preliminary)

Product Description: The product covered by these investigations is large residential washers. Large residential washers include all automatic clothes washing machines, regardless of the orientation of the rotational axis, with a cabinet width (measured from its widest point) of at least 24.5 inches (62.23 cm) and no more than 32.0 inches (81.28 cm). These investigations also cover certain subassemblies used in large residential washers. Large residential washers are typically purchased by households for use in a single family dwelling.

Status of Proceedings:

1.  Type of investigations:  Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty.
2.  Petitioner: Whirlpool Corporation, Benton Harbor, MI.
3.  Petition filed with USITC: December 30, 2011.
4.  Commission's conference:  January 20, 2012.
5.  USITC vote: February 10, 2012.
6.  USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce: February 13, 2012.
7.  USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: February 20, 2012.


U.S. Industry:

1.  Number of producers in 2010:  Six.
2.  Location of producers' plants: Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
3.  Employment of production and related workers in 2010: (1)
4.  Apparent U.S. consumption in 2010: (1)
5.  Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2010: (1)


U.S. Imports:

1.  From the subject countries during 2010: (1)
2.  From other countries during 2010: (1)
3.  Leading sources during 2010: Korea, Mexico, Germany, and China (in terms of total value, estimated).

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

# # #

February 10, 2012
News Release 12-014
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-487, 731-TA-1197-1198 (P)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Votes to Continue Cases on Steel Wire Garment Hangers from Taiwan and Vietnam (Preliminary)

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 steel wire garment hangers from Vietnam that are allegedly subsidized and from Taiwan and Vietnam that are allegedly 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 regarding Vietnam due on or about March 23, 2012, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations regarding Taiwan and Vietnam due on or about June 6, 2012.

The Commission's public report Steel Wire Garment Hangers from Taiwan and Vietnam (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-487 and 731-TA-1197-1198 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4305, February 2012) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

Copies of the report are expected to be available after March 13, 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

Steel Wire Garment Hangers from Taiwan and Vietnam
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-487 and 731-TA-1197-1198 (Preliminary)

Product Description: Steel wire garment hangers are garment hangers formed from carbon steel wire, whether or not galvanized or painted, whether or not coated with latex or epoxy or similar gripping materials, and/or whether or not fashioned with paper covers or capes (with or without printing) and/or nonslip features such as saddles or tubes. Steel wire garment hangers in this instance specifically do not include wooden, plastic, and other garment hangers that are not made of steel wire; steel wire garment hangers with swivel hooks; steel wire garment hangers with clips permanently affixed; and chrome-plated steel wire garment hangers with a diameter of 3.4mm or greater. Steel wire garment hangers are principally used by the drycleaning, industrial laundry, and uniform rental industries for draping clothes and textiles.

Status of Proceedings:

1.  Types of investigations:  Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty.
2.  Petitioners: M&B Metal Products Company, Inc., Leeds, AL; Innovative Fabrication LLC /
        Indy Hanger, Indianapolis, IN; and US Hanger Company, LLC, Gardena, CA. 
3.  Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC: December 29, 2011.
4.  Commission's conference: January 20, 2012.
5.  USITC vote: February 10, 2012.
6.  USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce: February 13, 2012.
7.  USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: February 21, 2012.


U.S. Industry:

1.  Number of producers in 2010: Eight.
2.  Location of producers' plants:  Alabama, California, Indiana, Nebraska, Puerto Rico, Texas, and
        Wisconsin.
3.  Employment of production and related workers in 2010: (1)
4.  Apparent U.S. consumption in 2010: (1)
5.  Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2010: (1)

U.S. Imports:

1.  From the subject countries during 2010:  $43.2 million.
2.  From other countries during 2010:  $29.5 million.
3.  Leading sources during 2010: Vietnam, Taiwan, Mexico, and China (in terms of total value).

Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.

# # #

February 10, 2012
News Release 12-013
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-486, 731-TA-1195-1196 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Votes to Continue Cases on Utility Scale Wind Towers from China and Vietnam

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is threatened with material injury by reason of imports of utility scale wind towers from China that are allegedly subsidized and from China and Vietnam that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.

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 regarding China due on or about March 23, 2012, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations regarding China and Vietnam due on or about June 6, 2012.

The Commission's public report Utility Scale Wind Towers from China and Vietnam (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-486 and 731-TA-1195-1196 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4304, February 2012) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

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

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Utility Scale Wind Towers from China and Vietnam
Investigations No. 701-TA-486 and 731-TA-1195-1196 (Preliminary)

Product Description: The products covered by these investigations are utility scale wind towers, whether or not tapered, and sections thereof. These wind towers are designed to support the nacelle and rotor blades in a wind turbine with a minimum rated electrical power generation capacity in excess of 100 kilowatts and with a minimum height of 50 meters measured from the base of the tower to the bottom of the nacelle (i.e., where the top of the tower and nacelle are joined) when fully assembled.

Status of Proceedings:

1.  Types of investigations:  Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty investigations.
2.  Petitioners: Broadwind Towers, Inc., Manitowoc, WI; DMI Industries, Fargo, ND; Katana
        Summit LLC, Columbus, NE; and Trinity Structural Towers, Inc., Dallas, TX.
3.  Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC:  December 29, 2011.
4.  Commission's conference:  January 19, 2012.
5.  USITC vote:  February 10, 2012.
6.  USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce:  February 13, 2012.
7.  USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce:  February 21, 2012.


U.S. Industry:

1.  Number of producers in 2010:  12.
2.  Location of producers' plants:  California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North
        Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.
3.  Employment of production and related workers in 2010: 1,695.
4.  Apparent U.S. consumption in 2010:  $903.1 million.
5.  Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2010: 42.3%.


U.S. Imports:

1.  From the subject countries during 2010:  $158.7 million.
2.  From other countries during 2010:  $223.2 million.
3.  Leading sources during 2010: Canada, China, Mexico, Vietnam, Korea, and Indonesia (in terms of
        total value). (1)

(1) Based on imports in HTS 7308.20.0000, which includes some products not subject to the investigation.

# # #

January 30, 2012
News Release 12-010
Inv. No(s). 332-528
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

Used Electronic Products Will Be Focus of New USITC Study

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has launched an investigation into the extent of U.S. exports of used electronics products.

The study will cover audio and visual equipment, computers and peripheral equipment, digital imaging devices, telecommunication equipment, and component parts of these products, as well as other electronic products the Commission deems relevant.

The investigation, Used Electronic Products: An Examination of U.S Exports, was requested by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will provide an overview of U.S. exports of used electronics products; discuss the types of foreign enterprises receiving U.S. exporters' shipments and the types of domestic exporting enterprises; and describe the characteristics of used electronic products exported from the United States, including product condition and the composition of export shipments.

The USITC will submit its report to USTR by February 8, 2013.

The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation at 9:30 a.m. on May 15, 2012. Requests to appear at the hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on April 16, 2012 with the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. For further information, call 202-205-2000.

The USITC also welcomes written submissions for the record. Written submissions (one original and 14 copies) should be addressed to the Secretary of the Commission at the above address and should be submitted at the earliest practical date, but no later than 5:15 p.m. on September 14, 2012. All written submissions, except for confidential business information, will be available for public inspection.

Further information on the scope of the investigation and appropriate submissions is available in the USITC's notice of investigation, dated January 30, 2012, which can be obtained from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or by contacting the Office of the Secretary at 202-205-2000.

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 subject 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 investigations reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.

# # #

January 20, 2012
News Release 12-008
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-703 (Third Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Furfuryl Alcohol from China

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on furfuryl alcohol 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 Furfuryl Alcohol from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-703 (Third Review), USITC Publication 4302, January 2012) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.

Copies may be requested after February 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 Furfuryl Alcohol 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.

# # #

January 5, 2013
News Release 12-003
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-410 (Third Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC Makes Determinations in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Light-Walled Rectangular Pipe from Taiwan

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on light-walled rectangular pipe and tube from Taiwan 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 these products from Taiwan 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 Light-Walled Rectangular Pipe and Tube from Taiwan (Inv. No. 731-TA-410 (Third Review), USITC Publication 4301, January 2012) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.

Copies may be requested after February 7, 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 Light-Walled Rectangular Pipe and Tube from Taiwan was instituted on July 1, 2011.

On October 4, 2011, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review. Chairman Deanna Tanner Okun, Vice Chairman Irving A. Williamson, and Commissioners Daniel R. Pearson, Shara L. Aranoff, and Dean A. Pinkert found that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for an expedited review. Then-Commissioner Charlotte R. Lane found that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate but that circumstances warranted a full review.

# # #

May 9, 2013
News Release 13-044
Inv. No(s). TA-131-038 and TA-2104-030
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

USITC to Investigate the Probable Economic Effect of Duty-Free Imports Under a U.S.-Trans-Pacific Partnership FTA that Includes Japan

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input for investigations into the probable economic effect of a U.S. free trade agreement (FTA) with members of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), including Japan.

The investigations, U.S.-Trans-Pacific Partnership Free Trade Agreement Including Japan: Advice on the Probable Economic Effect of Providing Duty-Free Treatment for Imports, were requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in a letter received April 30, 2013.

In the request letter, the USTR stated that he has informed Congress of the President's intention to commence negotiations with Japan in the context of the TPP and asked the USITC to provide advice concerning the probable economic effect of a U.S. free trade agreement with Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam.

For the current report, the USTR asked that the USITC, among other things, identify any changes in its advice from the earlier advice that did not include Japan. The USITC has previously provided advice to the USTR concerning the probable economic effect of providing duty-free treatment for imports of products from Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam, plus Malaysia, Canada, and Mexico, under a TPP FTA (those reports remain classified by the USTR).

As requested, the USITC will advise the President as to the probable economic effect of providing duty-free treatment for imports of products of the 11 countries participating in the TPP negotiations on industries in the United States producing like or directly competitive articles and on consumers. In preparing its advice, the USITC will consider each article in chapters 1 through 97 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States for which tariffs will remain, taking into account implementation of U.S. commitments in the World Trade Organization and under U.S. free trade agreements that the United States has with a TPP country. The advice will be based on the 2013 Harmonized Tariff Schedule nomenclature and trade data for the year 2012. The advice will assume that any known U.S. non-tariff barrier will not be applicable to such imports, and the USITC will note in its report any instance in which the continued application of a U.S. non-tariff barrier would result in different advice with respect to the effect of the removal of the duty.

In addition, as requested by the USTR, the USITC will prepare an assessment of the probable economic effect of eliminating tariffs on imports of certain agricultural products of the TPP participants on U.S. industries producing the product concerned and the economy as a whole. A list of the products is attached to the USTR's request letter, which can be obtained from the USITC's web site and its electronic document information system (EDIS).

The USITC expects to submit its report, which will be confidential, to the USTR by August 21, 2013.

The USITC is seeking input for the investigations from all interested parties and requests that the information focus on the issues for which the USITC is requested to provide information and advice.

The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigations on June 11, 2013. Requests to appear at the hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on May 28, 2013, with the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. For further information, call 202-205-2000.

The USITC also welcomes written submissions for the record. Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary of the Commission at the above address and should be submitted at the earliest practical date but no later than 5:15 p.m. on June 17, 2013. All written submissions, except for confidential business information, will be available for public inspection.

Further information on the scope of the investigations and appropriate submissions is available in the USITC's notice of investigations, dated May 9, 2013, which can be downloaded from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or may be obtained by contacting the Office of the Secretary at the above address or at 202-205-2000.

# # #

Subscribe to USITC