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News Release 20-031
Inv. No(s). 332-576
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today instituted an investigation that will identify imported products that may be needed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and provide trade-related information for them, including their source countries, tariff classifications, and applicable rates of duty.
The investigation, COVID-19 Related Goods: U.S. Imports and Tariffs, was requested by the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Ways and Means and the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance in a letter received on April 7, 2020.
In their request letter, the Committees noted: “On March 20, 2020, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) established a process to receive and consider comments for provisional modifications to tariffs imposed on goods that may assist in the public health and clinical response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In view of the Commission’s knowledge in trade and tariff matters, we ask that the Commission provide a report to the Committees and the USTR that identifies imported goods related to the response to COVID-19, their source countries, tariff classifications, and applicable rates of duty so as to assist the Committees and USTR in proposing or taking appropriate and responsive actions.”
As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will provide the following information for each product it identifies:
- the 10-digit HTS code for the article;
- its legal description;
- general duty rate;
- any special or additional rates of duty imposed on the article, and the dates on which the rates were imposed, and the authorities under which they were imposed;
- whether any such duties have been suspended and, if so, the date of suspension as well how the long suspension is scheduled to last;
- the total rate of duty imposed on such article, including any special or additional rate of duty; and
- the major countries of origin for each such article, and the import value of each such article from each country for the years 2017-2019.
As requested, to the extent practical, the USITC will provide the electronic version of the report in a format that allows the information to be sorted by the fields listed above. It will also include a “plain English” description or examples of products that fall within the identified HTS codes and citations to sources consulted in identifying the products.
The USITC expects to deliver its report to the Committees and the U.S. Trade Representative by April 30, 2020. The USITC will provide updated data runs on its website through June 30, 2020, as requested.
Further information about the investigation can be found in the notice of investigation, dated April 13, 2020, which can be obtained from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov).
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 20-030
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1196
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain in vitro fertilization products, 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 EMD Serono, Inc., of Rockland, MA, on March 11, 2020, that was amended and supplemented on March 27, 2020. The complaint, as amended and supplemented, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain in vitro fertilization products, components thereof, and products containing the same that (i) infringe one or more trademarks asserted by the complainant, (ii) are falsely designated as to source, and (iii) are falsely advertised. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a general exclusion order, or in the alternative a limited exclusion order, and cease and desist orders. The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:
FastIVF c/o Domains by Proxy LLC of Scottsdale, AZ;
Hermes Eczanesi of Istanbul, Turkey; and
General Plastik Drug Stores of Istanbul, Turkey.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1196), 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 20-029
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-513 and 731-TA-1249 (Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that terminating the suspended investigations on imports of sugar from Mexico would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the existing suspended investigations on imports of this product from Mexico will remain in effect.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randoph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.
Today’s action comes under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. See the attached page for background on these five-year (sunset) reviews.
The Commission’s public report Sugar from Mexico (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-513 and 731-TA-1249 (Review), USITC Publication 5045, April 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.
The report will be available by May 12, 2020; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
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 Sugar from Mexico were instituted on November 29, 2019.
On March 3, 2020, the Commission voted to conduct expedited reviews. Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for expedited reviews.
A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct expedited 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.
News Release 20-028
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-501 (Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing countervailing duty order on imports of chlorinated isocyanurates 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 countervailing duty order on imports of this product from China will remain in place.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative. Commissioner Jason E. Kearns 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 Chlorinated Isocyanurates from China (Inv. No. 701-TA-501 (Review), USITC Publication 5044, April 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.
The report will be available by May 8, 2020; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
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 Chlorinated Isocyanurates from China was instituted on October 1, 2019.
On January 6, 2020, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review. Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for an expedited review. Commissioner Jason E. Kearns 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.
News Release 20-017
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain electronic candle 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 L&L Candle Company LLC of Brea, CA, and Sotera Tschetter, Inc., of St. Paul, MN, on March 2, 2020. Supplements to the complaint were filed on March 18 and 20, 2020. The complaint, as supplemented, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain electronic candle products and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainants. The complainants request that the USITC issue a general exclusion order, or in the alternative a limited exclusion order, and cease and desist orders. The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:
The Gerson Company of Olathe, KS;
Gerson International (H.K.) Ltd. of Kowloon, Hong Kong;
Sterno Home Inc. of Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada;
Ningbo Huamao International Trading Co., Ltd., of Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, China;
Ningbo Yinzhou Langsheng Artware Co., Ltd., of Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, China;
Lifetime Brands, Inc., Garden City, NY;
Scott Brothers Entertainment, Inc., of Las Vegas, NV;
Nantong Ya Tai Candle Arts & Crafts Co., Ltd., of San Gabriel, CA;
NapaStyle, Inc., of Napa, CA;
Veraflame International, Inc., of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada;
MerchSource, LLC, of Irvine, CA;
Ningbo Mascube Import Export Company of Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, China;
Decorware International Inc. dba Decorware Inc. of Rancho Cucamonga, CA;
Shenzhen Goldenwell Smart Technology Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China;
Shenzhen Ksperway Technology Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China;
Ningbo Shanhuang Electric Appliance Co. of Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, China;
Yiwu Shengda Art Co., Ltd., of Yiwu City, Zhejiang Province, China;
Shenzhen Tongfang Optoelectronic Technology Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China;
TFL Candles of Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China;
Guangdong Tongfang Lighting Co., Ltd., of Wan Chai, Hong Kong;
Tongfang Optoelectric Company of Kwun Tong, Hong Kong; and
Virtual Candles Limited of Maidstone, Kent, United Kingdom.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1195), 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 20-026-COR
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-620 and 731-TA-1445 (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 wooden cabinets and vanities from China that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.
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 these products from China.
The Commission’s public report Wooden Cabinets and Vanities from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-620 and 731-TA-1445 (Final), USITC Publication 5042, April 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by April 27, 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
Wooden Cabinets and Vanities from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-620 and 731-TA-1445 (Final)
Product Description: Wooden cabinets and vanities ("WCVs") are wood‐constructed products used for permanently installed cabinetry that are usually found in the kitchen (in the case of cabinets) or the bathroom (in the case of vanities). WCVs have physical characteristics applicable to the intended use for storage and easy access of various household items. WCVs may be sold in a fully assembled form, where the product is ready for installation, or in a "flat pack" or "ready to assemble" ("RTA") form, which contains most or all of the items required to assemble a cabinet or vanity into its completed form. WCVs are manufactured wholly or in part from wood products, including natural wood and engineered wood products. In addition to the wood components, these products may contain certain quantities of non‐wood material such as glass, vinyl, plastics, and metal.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: American Kitchen Cabinet Alliance, Reston, VA.
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, March 6, 2019.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Thursday, February 20, 2020.
5. USITC Vote Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2020.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Monday, April 13, 2020. [CORRECTED]
U.S. Industry in 2018:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 49.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
3. Production and related workers: 35,459.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $7.2 billion.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: 1
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 1
U.S. Imports in 2018:
1. Subject imports: [1]
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: China.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 20-025
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1194
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain high-density fiber optic equipment 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 Corning Optical Communications LLC of Charlotte, NC, on February 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 high-density fiber optic equipment and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a general exclusion order, or in the alternative a limited exclusion order, and cease and desist orders. The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:
AFL Telecommunications Holdings LLC d/b/a AFL of Duncan, SC;
FS.com Inc. of New Castle, DE;
Huber+Suhner AG of Herisau, Switzerland;
Huber + Suhner, Inc., of Charlotte, NC;
Legrand North America, LLC, of West Hartford, CT;
Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc., of Melville, NY;
Panduit Corporation of Tinley, IL;
Shanghai TARLUZ Telecom Tech. Co., Ltd., d/b/a TARLUZ, of Shanghai, China;
Shenzhen Anfkom Telecom Co., Ltd., d/b/a Anfkom Telecom of Shenzhen, China;
The LAN Wirewerks Research Laboratories Inc. d/b/a Wirewerks of Quebec, Canada;
The Siemon Company of Watertown, CT;
Total Cable Solutions, Inc., of Springboro, OH; and
Wulei Technology Co., Ltd., d/b/a Bonelinks, of Shenzhen, China.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1194), 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 20-024
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-618-619 and 731-TA-1441-1442 (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 carbon and alloy steel threaded rod from China and India 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 carbon and alloy steel threaded rod from China and India.
The Commission’s public report Carbon and Alloy Steel Threaded Rod from China and India (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-618-619 and 731-TA-1441-1442 (Final), USITC Publication 5040, April 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by April 24, 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
Carbon and Alloy Steel Threaded Rod from China and India
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-618-619 and 731-TA-1441-1442 (Final)
Product Description: Threaded rod is generally threaded along its entire length and is produced from low carbon, medium carbon, or alloy steel wire rod or bar. It is used primarily in commercial (non-residential) construction to suspend electrical conduits; pipes for plumbing; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) ductwork; and sprinkler systems for fire protection, among other applications. Threaded rod can also be used as a headless screw in general fastener applications or for bolting together pipe joints.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final phase antidumping and countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioner: Vulcan Threaded Products, Inc., Pelham, AL.
3. USITC Institution Date: Thursday, February 21, 2019.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2019.
5. USITC Vote Date: Friday, March 19, 2020.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Friday, April 3, 2020.
U.S. Industry in 2018:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 10.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, California, Colorado, Indiana, Louisiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
3. Production and related workers: 330.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $122.6 million.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: $443.9 million.
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 48.8 percent.
U.S. Imports in 2018:
1. Subject imports: $216.5 million.
2. Nonsubject imports: $104.7 million.
3. Leading import sources: China, India, Taiwan, and Thailand.
News Release 20-023
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-638 and 731-TA-1473 (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 corrosion inhibitors from China that are allegedly 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, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue with its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations concerning imports of this product from China, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about April 30, 2020, and its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about July 14, 2020.
The Commission’s public report Corrosion Inhibitors from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-638 and 731-TA-1473 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5039, March 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after April 20, 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, 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Corrosion Inhibitors from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-638 and 731‐TA‐1473 (Preliminary)
Product Description: Corrosion inhibitors covered in these investigations are used to protect elements and metal alloys, including copper, copper alloys, zinc, cobalt, silver, aluminum, and steel from corrosion, a natural process that converts a refined metal into a more chemically stable form (e.g., an oxide, hydroxide, or sulfide). Specifically, the scope includes tolyltriazole and benzotriazole of all grades and forms, including the sodium salt forms. Included are mixtures of tolyltriazole, benzotriazole, and their salt forms amongst themselves or with other products, provided that the tolyltriazole and benzotriazole comprise at least 5 percent of the mixture on a dry weight basis. The products are typically used for corrosion protection in a variety of applications, such as industrial water treatment, automotive fluids, metalworking fluids, aircraft and runway de-icers, lubricants, direct treatment, cleaners, circuit boards, inks, and coatings.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioner: Wincom, Inc., Ohio.
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2020.
4. USITC Conference Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2020.
5. USITC Vote Date: Thursday, March 19, 2020.
6. USITC Views to Commerce: Monday, March 30, 2020.
U.S. Industry in 2019:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 3.
2. Location of producers’ plants: South Carolina, Texas and Ohio.
3. Production and related workers: [1]
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: 1
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
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: China.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 20-022
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1435-1436 and 1439 (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 acetone from Belgium, Korea, and South Africa that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are 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 duty orders on imports of this product from Belgium, Korea, and South Africa.
The Commission’s public report Acetone from Belgium, Korea, and South Africa (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1435-1436 and 1439 (Final), USITC Publication 5038, March 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by April 20, 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
Acetone from Belgium, Korea, and South Africa
Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1435-1436, 1439 (Final)
Product Description: Acetone, also known as dimethyl ketone, propan-2-one, or 2-propanone, among other names, is an organic chemical with the formula (CH3)2CO. The Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) registry number for acetone is 67–64–1. Commercial production of acetone uses traditional chemical synthesis. Available in various grades, acetone is used both as a chemical intermediate in the production of other chemicals (e.g., plastics and pharmaceuticals) and as a solvent. Acetone is a clear colorless liquid with a sweet odor.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Final phase antidumping duty.
2. Petitioners: AdvanSix Inc., Parsippany, NJ; Altivia Petrochemicals, LLC, Haverhill, OH; and Olin Corporation, Clayton, MO.
3. USITC Institution Date: Tuesday, February 19, 2019.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Monday, October 21, 2019.
5. USITC Vote Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: March 30, 2020.
U.S. Industry in 2018:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 8.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.
3. Production and related workers: 608.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $1.0 billion.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: $1.2 billion.
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent consumption from Belgium, Korea, and South Africa (percent): 12.4.
U.S. Imports in 2018:
1. U.S. imports from Belgium, Korea, and South Africa: $148.7 million.
2. U.S. imports from Singapore and Spain: $28.2 million.
3. U.S. imports from all other sources: $11.1 million.
4. Leading import sources: Belgium, Korea, Singapore, South Africa, and Spain.