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News Release 20-052
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-646 and 731-TA-1502-1516 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of prestressed concrete steel wire strand from Argentina, Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, and United Arab Emirates that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the government of Turkey.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue with its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations concerning imports of this product from Argentina, Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, and United Arab Emirates, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about July 10, 2020, and its antidumping duty determinations due on or about September 23, 2020.
The Commission’s public report Prestressed Concrete Steel Wire Strand from Argentina, Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, and United Arab Emirates (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-646 and 731-TA-1502-1516 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5062, June 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after June 29, 2020; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Prestressed Concrete Steel Wire Strand (PC strand) from Argentina, Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia,South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, and United Arab Emirates
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-646 and 731-TA-1502-1516 (Preliminary)
Product Description: The merchandise covered by these investigations is prestressed concrete steel wire strand (PC strand), produced from wire of non-stainless, non-galvanized steel, which is suitable for use in prestressed concrete (both pre-tensioned and post-tensioned) applications. The product definition encompasses covered and uncovered strand and all types, grades, and diameters of PC strand. PC strand is normally sold in the United States in sizes ranging from 0.25 inches to 0.70 inches in diameter.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: Insteel Wire Products, Mount Airy, NC; Sumiden Wire Products Corporation, Dickson, TN; and Wire Mesh Corporation, Houston, TX.
3. USITC Institution Date: Thursday, April 16, 2020.
4. USITC Conference Date: Thursday, May 7, 2020.
5. USITC Vote Date: Friday, May 29, 2020.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Monday, June 1, 2020.
U.S. Industry in 2019:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 5.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Arkansas, California, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.
3. Production and related workers: 378.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $321.4 million.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: $450.3 million.
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 25.3 percent.
U.S. Imports in 2019:
1. Subject imports: $114.1 million.
2. Nonsubject imports: $14.8 million.
3. Leading import sources: Malaysia, Spain, Turkey, Tunisia, and Italy.
News Release 20-051
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-625 and 731-TA-1450-1451 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of quartz surface products from India and Turkey that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from India and Turkey.
The Commission also made negative findings concerning critical circumstances with regard to imports of this product from India and Turkey. As a result, imports of quartz surface products from India and Turkey will not be subject to retroactive countervailing duties.
The Commission’s public report Quartz Surface Products from India and Turkey (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-624-625 and 731-TA-1450-1451 (Final), USITC Publication 5061, June 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by July 1, 2020; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Quartz Surface Products from India and Turkey
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-624-625 and 731-TA-1450-1451 (Final)
Product Description: Quartz surface products consist of slabs and other surfaces created from a mixture of materials that includes predominately silica (e.g., quartz, quartz powder, cristobalite), resin binder (e.g., an unsaturated polyester), and other materials, including, but not limited to, pigments, cement, or other additives. In addition to slabs, the scope of these investigations includes, but is not limited to, other surfaces such as countertops, backsplashes, vanity tops, bar tops, work tops, tabletops, flooring, wall facing, shower surrounds, fireplace surrounds, mantels, and tiles. Quartz surface products are covered by these investigations whether or not polished, cut, fabricated, cured, edged, finished, thermoformed, packaged, and regardless of the type of surface finish.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioner: Cambria Company LLC, Le Sueur, MN.
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, May 8, 2019.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2020.
5. USITC Vote Date: Thursday, May 28, 2020.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Monday, June 15, 2020.
U.S. Industry in 2019:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 6.[1]
2. Location of producers’ plants: California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Tennessee.
3. Production and related workers: [2]
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: 2
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: 2
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 2
U.S. Imports in 2019:
1. Subject imports: 2
2. Nonsubject imports: 2
3. Leading import sources: India, Spain, Vietnam, Turkey, and Israel.
[1] Pertains only to quartz slab producers as this information excludes fabricators.
[2] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 20-050
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1202
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain synthetic roofing underlayment products and components thereof. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Kirsch Research and Development, LLC, of Simi Valley, CA, on April 24, 2020. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain synthetic roofing underlayment products and components thereof that infringe a patent asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders. The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:
Atlas Roofing Corporation of Atlanta, GA;
CertainTeed Corporation of Malvern, PA;
DuPont de Nemours, Inc., of Wilmington, DE;
E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, DE;
Epilay, Inc., of Carson, CA;
GAF Corporation of Parsippany, NJ;
InterWrap Corp. of Toledo, OH;
Owens Corning of Toledo, OH;
Owens Corning Roofing & Asphalt, LLC, of Toledo, OH;
System Components Corporation of Issaquah, WA; and
Tamko Building Products LLC of Joplin, MO.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1202), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The USITC’s Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC’s administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.
The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.
News Release 20-049
Inv. No(s). TA-131-046 and TPA-105-007
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input for a newly initiated investigation into the probable economic effect of providing duty-free treatment for currently dutiable imports from Kenya.
The investigation, U.S.-Kenya Trade Agreement: Advice on the Probable Economic Effect of Providing Duty-free Treatment for Currently Dutiable Imports, was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in a letter received on March 17, 2020.
As requested, the USITC will advise the President as to the probable economic effect of providing duty-free treatment for imports of currently dutiable products from Kenya on industries in the United States producing like or directly competitive products 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 (HTSUS) for which U.S. tariffs will remain, taking into account implementation of U.S. commitments in the World Trade Organization. The advice will be based on the HTSUS in effect during 2020 and trade data for the year 2019.
In addition, as requested, the USITC will prepare an assessment of the probable economic effects of eliminating tariffs on imports from Kenya of certain agricultural products on U.S. industries producing the products concerned and on the U.S. economy as a whole. A list of the agriculture products is attached to the USTR’s request letter.
The USITC expects to submit its report, which will be confidential, to the USTR by September 16, 2020.
The USITC is seeking input for the investigation 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 investigation on July 7, 2020. Because COVID-19 mitigation measures are in effect, the public hearing will be held via Go to Meeting.
Information about how to participate in the hearing will be posted on the Commission’s website at (https://usitc.gov/research_and_analysis/what_we_are_working_on.htm). Requests to appear at the hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on June 10, 2020, with the Secretary,
U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. See below for important information regarding filing a request to appear at a USITC hearing.
The USITC also welcomes written submissions for the record. Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary of the Commission and should be submitted no later than 5:15 p.m. on July 14, 2020. All written submissions, except for confidential business information, will be available for public inspection. See below for important information regarding the filing of written submissions for USITC investigations.
IMPORTANT: All filings, including requests to appear at the hearing and written submissions, must be made through the Commission’s Electronic Document Information System (EDIS, https://edis.usitc.gov). No in-person paper-based filings or paper copies of any electronic filings will be accepted until further notice. Persons with questions regarding electronic filing should contact the Office of the Secretary, Docket Services Division (EDIS3Help@usitc.gov), or consult the Commission’s Handbook on Filing Procedures.
Further information on the scope of the investigation and appropriate submissions is available in the USITC’s notice of investigation, dated May 26, 2020, 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 commissionhearings@usitc.gov.
News Release 20-048
Inv. No(s). 332-578
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input for an investigation concerning possible modifications to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).
The investigation, Generalized System of Preferences: Possible Modifications, 2020 Review (Investigation No. 332-578), was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in a letter received on May 4, 2020.
As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will provide advice as to the probable economic effect on U.S. imports, U.S. industries producing like or directly competitive articles, and U.S. consumers of the addition of the following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) provisions to the list of GSP-eligible products:
For all GSP beneficiary developing countries:
- 0603.11.00 (sweetheart, spray and other roses, fresh cut),
- 0603.11.0010 (sweetheart roses, fresh, suitable for bouquets or for ornamental purposes),
- 0603.11.0030 (spray roses, fresh, suitable for bouquets or for ornamental purposes),
- 0603.11.0060 (roses, fresh, suitable for bouquets or for ornamental purposes, nesoi).
Also as requested, the USITC will provide advice as to the probable economic effect on total U.S. imports, U.S. industries producing like or directly competitive articles, and U.S. consumers of the removal from eligibility of six HTS provisions for all beneficiary developing countries.
The removals under consideration are:
- 1006.10.00 (rice in the husk, (paddy or rough)),
- 1006.20.20 (basmati rice, husked),
- 1006.20.40 (husked (brown) rice, other than basmati),
- 1006.30.10 (rice semi-milled or wholly milled, whether or not polished or glazed, parboiled),
- 1006.30.90 (rice semi-milled or wholly milled, whether or not polished or glazed, other than parboiled),
- 1006.40.00 (broken rice).
The USITC will submit its confidential report to USTR by August 31, 2020. As soon as possible thereafter, the USITC will, as requested by USTR, issue a public version of the report containing only the unclassified sections, with any business confidential information and classified information deleted.
The USITC is seeking input for this 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 June 19, 2020. Because COVID-19 mitigation measures are in effect, the public hearing will be held using Go To Meeting.
Information about how to participate in the hearing will be posted on the Commission’s website at (https://usitc.gov/research_and_analysis/what_we_are_working_on.htm). Requests to appear at the public hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on June 3, 2020, with the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. See below for important information regarding filing a request to appear at a USITC hearing.
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 June 29, 2020. All written submissions, except for confidential business information, will be available for public inspection. See below for important information regarding the filing of written submissions for USITC investigations.
IMPORTANT: All filings, including requests to appear at the hearing and written submissions, must be made through the Commission’s Electronic Document Information System (EDIS, https://edis.usitc.gov). No in-person paper-based filings or paper copies of any electronic filings will be accepted until further notice. Persons with questions regarding electronic filing should contact the Office of the Secretary, Docket Services Division (202-205-1802), or consult the Commission’s Handbook on Filing Procedures.
Further information on the scope of this investigation and appropriate submissions appears in the USITC’s notice of investigation, dated on May 21, 2020. The notice can be obtained from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or by contacting the Office of the Secretary at the above address or 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 subjects investigated. The Commission makes no recommendations on policy or other matters in its general fact-finding reports. Upon completion of each investigation, the USITC submits its findings and analyses to the requester. General factfinding investigation reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.
News Release 20-047
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1201
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain liquid crystal display devices, components thereof, and products containing the same. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Sharp Corporation of Osaka, Japan, and Sharp Electronics Corporation of Montvale, NJ, on April 21, 2020. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain liquid crystal display devices, components thereof, and products containing the same that infringe patents asserted by the complainants. The complainants request that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:
VIZIO Inc. of Irvine, CA;
Xianyang CaiHong Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd., of Xianyang, Shaanxi, China;
TPV Technology, Ltd., of Kowloon, Hong Kong;
TPV Display Technology (Xiamen) Co., Ltd., of Xiamen, Fujian, China;
TPV International (USA), Inc., of Austin, TX;
Trend Smart America, Ltd., of Lake Forest, CA; and
Trend Smart CE Mexico S.R.L. De D.V. of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1201), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The USITC’s Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC’s administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.
The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.
News Release 20-046
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1200
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain electronic devices, including streaming players, televisions, set top boxes, remote controllers, and components thereof. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Universal Electronics, Inc., of Scottsdale, AZ, on April 16, 2020. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain electronic devices, including streaming players, televisions, set top boxes, remote controllers, and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders. The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:
Roku Inc. of Los Gatos, CA;
TCL Electronics Holdings Limited, f/k/a TCL Multimedia Holdings Limited of Hong Kong;
Shenzhen TCL New Technology Company Limited of Shenzhen, China;
TCL King Electrical Appliances (Huizhou) Company Limited of Huizhou, China;
TTE Technology Inc. d/b/a/ TCL USA and TCL North America of Corona, CA;
TCL Corp. of Huizhou City, Guangdong Province, China;
TCL Moka, Int’l Ltd. of Hong Kong;
TCL Overseas Marketing Ltd. of Hong Kong;
TCL Industries Holdings Co., Ltd., of Hong Kong;
TCL Smart Device (Vietnam) Company, Ltd., of Tan Binh Commune, Bac Tan Uyen District, Binh Duong Province, Vietnam;
Hisense Co. Ltd. of Qingdao, Shandong Province, China;
Hisense Electronics Manufacturing Company of America Corporation d/b/a Hisense USA of Suwanee, GA;
Hisense Import & Export Co. Ltd. of Qingdao, Shandong Province, China;
Qingdao Hisense Electric Co., Ltd., of Qingdao, Shandong Province, China;
Hisense International (HK) Co., Ltd., of Sheng Wan, Hong Kong (SAR);
Funai Electric Co., Ltd., of Osaka, Japan;
Funai Corporation Inc. of Rutherford, NJ; and
Funai (Thailand) Co., Ltd., of Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1200), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The USITC’s Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC’s administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.
The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.
News Release 20-045
Inv. No(s). 332-577
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input for a new general factfinding investigation on the U.S. raspberry industry in Washington state and the conditions of competition between U.S. and foreign suppliers of raspberries meant for processing.
The investigation, Raspberries for Processing: Conditions of Competition between U.S. and Foreign Suppliers, with a Focus on Washington State, was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in a letter received on April 9, 2020.
As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will provide, to the extent practical:
- an overview of the U.S. raspberry industry in Washington State, including fresh raspberries for processing, frozen raspberries, and raspberry juice, as well as an overview of the industries producing fresh and processed raspberries in major producing and exporting countries;
- production, pricing, and consumption trends for fresh and processed raspberries in the United States and other major producing and exporting countries over the last five years, including the relationship between prices of domestic products and imports of fresh and processed raspberries in the U.S. market to the extent such data is available;
- an overview of U.S. imports of fresh and processed raspberries, including information on the main country sources of supply, trade patterns, and supply chains of major suppliers to the United States;
- a description of foreign government policies, financial aid, and programs that directly or indirectly affect production, infrastructure, exports, and imports of fresh and processed raspberries, including product country of origin labeling, food safety regulations, producer support, and tariff and nontariff measures;
- a comparison of the competitive strengths and weaknesses of production and exports of fresh and processed raspberries in the United States and other major producing and exporting countries in line with the Commission’s competitiveness framework; and
- a qualitative and, to the extent possible, quantitative assessment of the economic impact of imports from major producing and exporting countries on production and prices of U.S. fresh and processed raspberries.
The USITC expects to transmit its report to the USTR no later than June 9, 2021.
The USITC is seeking input for the investigation from all interested parties. The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation at 9:30 a.m. on September 17, 2020. Requests to appear at the public hearing in connection with the investigation should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on August 27, 2020 with the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington D.C. 20436.
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 not later than 5:15 p.m. on December 6, 2020. All written submissions, except for confidential business information, will be available for public inspection.
Further information on the scope of this investigation and appropriate submissions appears in the USITC's notice of investigation, dated May 15, 2020. The notice can be obtained from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or by contacting the Office of the Secretary at the above address or 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 report conveys the Commission's objective findings and independent analyses on the subjects investigated. The Commission makes no recommendations on policy or other matters in its general factfinding reports. Upon completion of each investigation, the USITC submits its findings and analyses to the requester. General factfinding investigation reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.
News Release 20-044
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-645 and 731-TA-1495-1501 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of mattresses from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the government of China.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue with its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations concerning imports of this product from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about June 24, 2020, and its antidumping duty determinations due on or about September 8, 2020.
The Commission’s public report Mattresses from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-645 and 731-TA-1495-1501 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5059, May 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after June 12, 2020; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Mattresses from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-645 and 731-TA-1495-1501 (Preliminary)
Product Description: "Mattress" generally means a resilient material or combination of materials generally enclosed by ticking that is intended or promoted for sleeping upon by people. Mattresses generally consist of (1) a core, (2) upholstery material, and (3) ticking. The core provides the main support system of the mattress. The core may consist of innersprings, non-innersprings (e.g., foam), other resilient filling, or a combination of these materials. "Upholstery" refers to the material between the core and the ticking. "Ticking" refers to the cover or the outermost layer of fabric or other material that encloses the core and any upholstery material.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Preliminary phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: Brooklyn Bedding, Phoenix, AZ; Corsicana Mattress Co., Dallas, TX; Elite Comfort Solutions, Newnan, GA; FXI, Inc., Media, PA; Innocor, Inc., Media, PA; Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc., Chicago, IL; Leggett & Platt, Inc., Carthage, MO; the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Washington, DC; and United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union, AFLCIO, Washington, DC.
3. USITC Institution Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
4. USITC Conference Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2020.
5. USITC Vote Date: Thursday, May 14, 2020.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Friday, May 15, 2020.
U.S. Industry in 2019:
1. Number of U.S. producers: at least 63.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.
3. Production and related workers: [1]
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $4.8 billion.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: 1
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 1
U.S. Imports in 2019:
1. Subject imports: $1.1 billion.
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: China, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
Bulletin 20-043
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1199
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain tobacco heating articles and components thereof. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.; R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company; and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, all of Winston-Salem, NC, on April 9, 2020. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain tobacco heating articles and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainants. The complainants request that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:
Altria Client Services LLC of Richmond, VA;
Altria Group, Inc., of Richmond, VA;
Philip Morris USA, Inc., of Richmond, VA;
Philip Morris International Inc. of New York, NY; and
Philip Morris Products S.A. of Neuchatel, Switzerland.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1199), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The USITC’s Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC’s administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.
The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.