USITC
USITC Launches New Investigation on Possible Modifications to the North American Free Trade Agreement Rules of Origin
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input on a newly initiated investigation concerning proposed modifications of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) rules of origin.
The investigation, Probable Economic Effect of Certain Modifications to the North American Free Trade Agreement Rules of Origin, was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in a letter dated March 11, 2013.
As requested by the USTR, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will provide advice on the probable economic effect of the proposed NAFTA rules of origin modifications on U.S. trade and on domestic producers of the affected articles.
The investigation covers a wide variety of articles, including miscellaneous edible preparations; mineral fuels; products of the chemical or allied industries; plastics; rubber and related articles; cork; glass and glassware; copper, nickel, lead, tin, zinc, and other base metals; nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, mechanical appliances, and related parts; electrical machinery and related parts; rail locomotives and parts; parts for trailers and semi-trailers; optical, medical, measuring, or checking instruments and apparatus; certain furniture; certain toys and games; lighters; and smoking pipes. Details can be obtained from the attachment to the request letter, which can be found on the USITC Internet site at http://www.usitc.gov/research_and_analysis/What_We_Are_Working_On.htm.
The USITC expects to submit its advice to the USTR by November 12, 2013.
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 June 4, 2013.
Further information on the scope of this investigation, the proposed rules of origin modifications, and the procedures for written submissions is available in the USITC's notice of investigation, dated April 28, 2013, which can be downloaded from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or by contacting the Secretary at the above address.
USITC general factfinding investigations, such as these, 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, and 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.
USITC Votes to Continue Cases on Frozen Warmwater Shrimp from China, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam
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 frozen warmwater shrimp from China, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam that are allegedly subsidized.
Chairman Irving A. Williamson and Commissioners Shara L. Aranoff, Dean A. Pinkert, David S. Johanson, and Meredith Broadbent voted in the affirmative. Commissioner Daniel R. Pearson voted in the negative.
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 determinations due on or about March 25, 2013.
The Commission's public report Frozen Warmwater Shrimp from China, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-491-497 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4380, February 2013) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
Copies of the report are expected to be available after March 11, 2013, 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
Frozen Warmwater Shrimp from China, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-491-497 (Preliminary)
Product Description: Certain frozen warmwater shrimp and prawns, whether wild-caught (ocean harvested) or farm-raised (produced by aquaculture), head-on or head-off, shell-on or peeled, tail-on or tail-off, deveined or not deveined, cooked or raw, or otherwise processed in frozen form, regardless of size. The products described may be processed from any species of warmwater shrimp and prawns. Frozen shrimp and prawns that are packed with marinade, spices or sauce are included in the scope. In addition, food preparations (including dusted shrimp), which are not "prepared meals," that contain more than 20 percent by weight of shrimp or prawn are also included in the scope. Excluded from the scope are: (1) breaded shrimp and prawns; (2) shrimp and prawns generally classified in the Pandalidae family and commonly referred to as coldwater shrimp, in any state of processing; (3) fresh shrimp and prawns whether shell-on or peeled; (4) shrimp and prawns in prepared meals; (5) dried shrimp and prawns; (6) canned warmwater shrimp and prawns; and (7) certain "battered shrimp." The predominant end-use for warmwater shrimp and prawns is human consumption.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Preliminary countervailing duty.
2. Petitioner: Coalition of Gulf Shrimp Industries, Biloxi, MS.
3. Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC: December 28, 2012.
4. Commission's conference: January 18, 2013.
5. USITC vote: February 7, 2013.
6. USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce: February 11, 2013.
7. USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: February 19, 2013.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of producers (processors) in 2011: 58.
2. Location of producers' plants: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana,
Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2011: 1,922.
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2011: 1.3 billion pounds.
5. Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2011: 87.6 percent.
U.S. Imports:
1. From the subject countries during 2011: $4.3 billion (86 percent of total U.S. import
value).
2. From other countries during 2011: $681.6 million (14 percent of total U.S. import value).
3. Leading sources during 2011: Thailand, Indonesia, Ecuador, India, Vietnam, Mexico,
Malaysia, China (in terms of total value).
Korea FTA Effect on Small and Medium-Sized Businesses is Topic of New USITC Study
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has launched an investigation to learn from U.S. small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) about the effects of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) on U.S. SME exports to Korea.
The investigation, U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement: Effects on U.S. Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in a letter received on January 30, 2013.
In his letter, the USTR stated that one of the primary goals of the President's National Export Initiative is to increase export opportunities for America's SMEs and expand SME exports. He explained that a working group on SMEs established under the KORUS is exploring and developing ways for SMEs to take greater advantage of the economic opportunities created by the KORUS and said that the USITC investigation is intended to assist the USTR in better understanding the impact of the KORUS on U.S. SMEs since the agreement took effect in March 2012.
As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will provide, to the extent practicable, a report discussing the effects of the KORUS on the production, distribution, and export strategy of U.S. SMEs, as identified by those SMEs, and describing how U.S. SMEs have benefited from specific provisions of the KORUS. The report will also explore challenges that U.S. SMEs may have faced in exporting to Korea. The investigation will cover trade in goods and services and intellectual property, and it will examine U.S. SME sectors listed in the three prior USITC reports on SMEs released in 2010.
The USITC will submit its report to the USTR by May 1, 2013.
The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation at 9:30 a.m. on March 14, 2013. Requests to appear at the hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on February 27, 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 March 25, 2013. 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 February 7, 2013, 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 Representatives, the House Committee on Ways and Means, or the Senate Committee on Finance. The resulting reports convey the Commissions' 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.
USITC Makes Determinations in its Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Activated Carbon from China
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on certain activated carbon 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 Certain Activated Carbon from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-1103 (Review), USITC Publication 4381, February 2013) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.
Copies may be requested after March 15, 2013, 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 Activated Carbon from China was instituted on March 1, 2012.
On May 7, 2012, the Commission voted to conduct a full review. All six Commissioners concluded that both the domestic group response and the respondent group response 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.
USITC Makes Determinations in its Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Corrosion-Resistant Carbon Steel Flat Products from Germany and Korea
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing countervailing duty order on corrosion-resistant carbon steel flat products from Korea and the existing antidumping duty orders on this product from Germany and Korea 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 determinations, the existing orders on imports of this product from Germany and Korea 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 these five-year (sunset) reviews.
The Commission's public report Corrosion-Resistant Carbon Steel Flat Products from Germany and Korea (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-350 and 731-TA-616 and 618 (Third Review), USITC Publication 4388, March 2013) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.
Copies may be requested after March 26, 2013, 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) reviews concerning Corrosion-Resistant Carbon Steel Flat Products from Germany and Korea were instituted on January 3, 2012.
On April 9, 2012, the Commission voted to conduct full reviews. All six Commissioners concluded that both the domestic group response and the respondent group responses were adequate and voted for full reviews.
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.
Digital Trade: USITC Begins Second of Two Investigations
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has launched the second of two investigations into the role of digital trade in the U.S. and global economies.
The investigation, Digital Trade in the U.S. and Global Economies, Part 2, is the second report of two requested by the Committee on Finance, U.S. Senate, in a letter received on December 14, 2012.
In its letter requesting the investigations, the Committee stated: "Digital trade has increased rapidly in recent years and is an increasingly important activity within the global economy. ...[P]olicymakers are facing unprecedented challenges as they seek to ensure that digital trade remains open while producers' and consumers' data remain secure."
As requested, the USITC will deliver two reports to the Committee. The first investigation, Digital Trade in the U.S. and Global Economies, Part I, was instituted on January 7, 2013.
In the second investigation, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will conduct a survey of U.S. firms in selected industries particularly involved in digital trade. The second report will build on the first report to:
- estimate the value of U.S. digital trade and the potential growth of this trade;
- examine the broader linkages and contributions of digital trade to the U.S. economy;
- present case studies that examine the importance of digital trade to selected U.S. industries that use or produce such goods and services; and
- examine the effect of notable barriers to digital trade on selected industries and the broader U.S. economy.
The USITC expects to deliver the second report to the Committee by July 14, 2014.
For the purposes of these reports, "digital trade" encompasses commerce in products and services delivered over digital networks. Examples include software, digital media files (e.g., e-books and digital audio files), and services such as data processing and hosting. The report will also examine how other industries, such as financial services and retailing, make use of digital products and services for production and trade.
The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with this at 9:30 a.m. on March 7, 2013. Requests to appear at the hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on February 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 for these investigations should be addressed to the Secretary at the above address and should be submitted at the earliest practical date, but no later than 5:15 p.m. on March 21, 2014. 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 investigation, dated January 8, 2013, and February 19, 2013, 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 these, 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, and 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.
Digital Trade Will Be Focus of Two New USITC Investigations
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has launched the first of two investigations into the role of digital trade in the U.S. and global economies.
The investigations were requested by the Committee on Finance, U.S. Senate, in a letter received on December 14, 2012.
In its letter requesting the investigations, the Committee stated: "Digital trade has increased rapidly in recent years and is an increasingly important activity within the global economy. ....[P]olicymakers are facing unprecedented challenges as they seek to ensure that digital trade remains open while producers' and consumers' data remain secure."
As requested, the USITC will deliver two reports to the Committee.
The first report, Digital Trade in the U.S. and Global Economies, Part I, will:
- describe U.S. digital trade in the context of the broader economy;
- examine cross-border digital trade and its relationship to other cross-border transactions
(e.g., foreign direct investment); - describe notable barriers and impediments to digital trade; and
- outline potential approaches for assessing the linkages and contributions of digital trade to the U.S. economy, noting any challenges associated with data gaps and limitations.
The USITC expects to deliver the first report to the Committee by July 14, 2013.
The second report will build on the first report to:
- estimate the value of U.S. digital trade and the potential growth of this trade;
- examine the broader linkages and contributions of digital trade to the U.S. economy;
- present case studies that examine the importance of digital trade to selected U.S. industries that use or produce such goods and services; and
- examine the effect of notable barriers to digital trade on selected industries and the broader U.S. economy.
The second report will be delivered to the Committee by July 2014. More details on the second study will be available when it is instituted.
For the purposes of the report, "digital trade" encompasses commerce in products and services delivered over digital networks. Examples include software, digital media files (e.g., e-books and digital audio files), and services such as data processing and hosting. The report will also examine how other industries, such as financial services and retailing, make use of digital products and services for production and trade.
The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with these investigations at 9:30 a.m. on March 7, 2013. Requests to appear at the hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on February 21, 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 for the first investigation should be addressed to the Secretary at the above address and should be submitted at the earliest practical date, but no later than 5:15 p.m. on March 14, 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 investigation, dated January 8, 2013, 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 these, 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, and 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.
USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Clad Steel Plate from Japan
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on clad steel plate from 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 determination, the existing order on imports of this product from Japan will remain in place.
Chairman Irving A. Williamson and Commissioners Shara L. Aranoff, Dean A. Pinkert, and David S. Johanson voted in the affirmative. Commissioners Daniel R. Pearson and Meredith Broadbent 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 Clad Steel Plate from Japan (Inv. No. 731-TA-739 (Third Review), USITC Publication 4370, January 2013) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.
Copies may be requested after February 18, 2013, 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 Clad Steel Plate from Japan was instituted on February 1, 2012.
On May 7, 2012, the Commission voted to conduct a full review. All six Commissioners concluded that both the domestic group response and the respondent group response 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.
Steel Wire Garment Hangers from Vietnam 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 steel wire garment hangers from Vietnam 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.
As a result of the USITC's affirmative determination, Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from Vietnam.
The Commerce Department previously made affirmative critical circumstances determinations with regard to imports of this product from Vietnam. Therefore, the Commissioners who made affirmative injury determinations today are required to determine whether these imports are likely to undermine seriously the remedial effect of the orders Commerce will issue. All six Commissioners made negative determinations with regard to critical circumstances in these investigations. As a result, the orders concerning these imports will not apply to goods that entered the United States from Vietnam prior to the dates of the Department of Commerce's affirmative preliminary determinations.
The Commission's public report Steel Wire Garment Hangers from Vietnam (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-487 and 731-TA-1198 (Final), USITC Publication 4371, January 2013) will contain the views of the Commissioners and information developed during the investigations.
Copies may be obtained after February 18, 2013, 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
Steel Wire Garment Hangers from Vietnam
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-487 and 731-TA-1198 (Final)
Product Description: Steel wire garment hangers are garment hangers fabricated 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 exclude 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. Type of investigations: Final 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. Investigations instituted by USITC: December 29, 2011.
4. USITC hearing: October 24, 2012.
5. USITC vote: January 16, 2013.
6. USITC notification of Department of Commerce: January 28, 2013.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of U.S. producers in 2011: 6.
2. Location of producers' plants: Alabama, California, Indiana, Nebraska, Puerto Rico, and
Texas.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2011: (1)
4. U.S. producers' U.S. shipments in 2011: (1)
5. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2011: (1)
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption in 2011: (1)
U.S. Imports in 2011:
1. From the subject countries during 2011: $2.5 million from Taiwan and $36.2 million from
Vietnam.
2. From other countries during 2011: $43.5 million.
3. Leading sources during 2011: Vietnam, Mexico, and China (in terms of total value).
(1) Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
Utility Scale Wind Towers from China and Vietnam 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 utility scale wind towers from China that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized and from China and Vietnam that Commerce has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Chairman Irving A. Williamson and Commissioner Shara L. Aranoff found the domestic industry is materially injured. Commissioner Dean A. Pinkert found the domestic industry is threatened with material injury. Commissioners Daniel R. Pearson, David S. Johanson, and Meredith Broadbent voted in the negative.
As a result of the USITC's affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of these products from China and an antidumping duty order on imports of these products from Vietnam.
The Commission's public report Utility Scale Wind Towers from China and Vietnam (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-486 and 731-TA-1195-1196 (Final), USITC Publication 4372, January 2013) will contain the views of the Commissioners and information developed during the investigations.
Copies may be obtained after February 20, 2013, 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
Utility Scale Wind Towers from China and Vietnam
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-486 and 731-TA-1195-1196 (Final)
Product Description: Wind towers, whether or not tapered, and sections thereof, 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 ( kW'') 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. A wind tower section consists of, at a minimum, multiple steel plates rolled into cylindrical or conical shapes and welded together (or otherwise attached) to form a steel shell, regardless of coating, end-finish, painting, treatment, or method of manufacture, and with or without flanges, doors, or internal or external components (e.g., flooring/ decking, ladders, lifts, electrical buss boxes, electrical cabling, conduit, cable harness for nacelle generator, interior lighting, tool and storage lockers) attached to the wind tower section. Several wind tower sections are normally required to form a completed wind tower.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final phase antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioners: Broadwind Towers, Inc., Manitowoc, WI; DMI Industries, Fargo, ND; Katana
Summit LLC, Columbus, NE; Trinity Structural Towers, Inc., Dallas, TX.
3. Investigations instituted by USITC: December 29, 2011.
4. USITC hearing: December 13, 2012.
5. USITC vote: January 18, 2013.
6. USITC notification of Department of Commerce: January 30, 2013.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of U.S. producers in 2011: 13.
2. Location of producers' plants: California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Oklahoma, North
Dakota, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and
Wisconsin.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2011: (1)
4. U.S. producers' U.S. shipments in 2011: (1)
5. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2011: (1)
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption in 2011: (1)
U.S. Imports in 2011:
1. From the subject countries during 2011: $265.9 million.
2. From other countries during 2011: $155.9 million.
3. Leading sources during 2011 (in alphabetical order): Canada, China, Indonesia, Korea,
Mexico, and Vietnam.
(1) Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.