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News Release 19-123
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-631 and 731-TA-1463-1464 (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 threatened with material injury by reason of imports of forged steel fittings from India and Korea that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the government of India.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative. Commissioner Randolph J. Stayin did not participate in these investigations.
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 these products from India and Korea, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about January 16, 2020, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about March 31, 2020.
The Commission’s public report Forged Steel Fittings from India and Korea (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-631 and 731-TA-1463-1464 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5006, December 2019) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after January 6, 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
Forged Steel Fittings from India and Korea
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-631 and 731-TA-1463-1464 (Preliminary)
Product Description: The merchandise covered by these investigations is carbon and alloy forged steel fittings, whether unfinished (commonly known as blanks or rough forgings) or finished. Such fittings are made in a variety of shapes including, but not limited to, elbows, tees, crosses, laterals, couplings, reducers, caps, plugs, bushings, unions, and outlets. Forged steel fittings are covered regardless of end finish, whether threaded, socket‐weld or other end connections. The scope includes integrally reinforced forged branch outlet fittings, regardless of whether they have one or more ends that is a socket welding, threaded, butt welding end, or other end connections. While these fittings are generally manufactured to specifications ASME B16.11, MSS SP‐79, MSS SP‐83, MSS‐SP‐97, ASTM A105, ASTM A350 and ASTM A182, the scope is not limited to fittings made to these specifications.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: Bonny Forge Corporation, Mount Union, PA; United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial, and Service Workers International Union, Pittsburgh, PA.
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2019.
4. USITC Conference Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2019.
5. USITC Vote Date: Friday, December 6, 2019.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Monday, December 9, 2019.
U.S. Industry in 2018:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 4
2. Location of producers’ plants: Louisiana, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
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 2018:
1. Subject imports: 1
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: China, India, Korea, Taiwan.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 19-122
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1186
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain balanced armature devices, products containing same, 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 Knowles Corporation and Knowles Electronics, LLC, both of Itasca, IL, and Knowles Electronics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., of Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China, on August 29, 2019. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain balanced armature devices, products containing same, and components thereof that misappropriate trade secrets 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:
Liang Li (a/k/a Ryan Li) of Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China;
Shenzhen Bellsing Acoustic Technology Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China;
Suzhou Bellsing Acoustic Technology Co., Ltd., of Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China;
Bellsing Corporation of Lisle, IL;
Dongguan Bellsing Precision Device Co., Ltd., of Dongguan, Guangdong Province, China;
Dongguan Xinyao Electronics Industrial Co., Ltd., d/b/a Fidue Acoustics of Dongguan, Guangdong, China;
Soundlink Co., Ltd. of Suzhou, China;
Magnatone Hearing Aid Corporation d/b/a Persona Medical and InEarz Audio of Casselberry, FL;
Jerry Harvey Audio LLC of Orlando, FL;
Magic Dynamics, LLC, d/b/a Magic Ear of Clearwater, FL;
Campfire Audio, LLC, of Portland, OR; and
Clear Tune Monitors, Inc., of Orlando, FL.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1186), 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 19-121
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1185
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain smart thermostats, smart HVAC systems, 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 EcoFactor, Inc., of Palo Alto, CA, on October 23, 2019. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain smart thermostats, smart HVAC systems, 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:
Ecobee Ltd. of Toronto, ON, Canada;
Ecobee, Inc., of Toronto, ON, Canada;
Google LLC of Mountain View, CA;
Alarm.com Incorporated of Tysons, VA;
Alarm.com Holdings, Inc., of Tysons, VA;
Daikin Industries, Ltd., of Osaka, Japan;
Daikin America, Inc., of Orangeburg, NY;
Daikin North America LLC of Houston, TX;
Schneider Electric USA, Inc., of Andover, MA;
Schneider Electric SE of Rueil-Malmaison Cedex France; and
Vivint, Inc., of Provo, UT.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1185), 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 19-119
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-610 and 731-TA-1425-1426 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that the establishment of a U.S. industry is materially retarded by reason of imports of refillable stainless steel kegs from China and Germany that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are 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 and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative. Commissioners Randolph J. Stayin and Amy A. Karpel did not participate in these votes.
As a result of the USITC’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping duty orders on imports of this product from China and Germany and a countervailing duty order on imports of this product from China.
The Commission also made a negative finding concerning critical circumstances with regard to imports of this product from China. As a result, imports of refillable stainless steel kegs from China will not be subject to retroactive antidumping and countervailing duties.
The Commission’s public report Refillable Stainless Steel Kegs from China and Germany (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-610 and 731-TA-1425-1426 (Final), USITC Publication 5002, December 2019) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by December 30, 2019; 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
Refillable Stainless Steel Kegs from China and Germany
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-610 and 731-TA-1425-1426 (Final)
Product Description: Refillable stainless steel kegs are cylindrically shaped containers made from stainless steel and designed to hold, transport, and dispense beer, wine, and other liquids. These kegs are compatible with a ''D Sankey'' extractor (spear) for dispensing, cleaning, and refilling; have a nominal liquid volume capacity of 10 liters or more; regardless of the type of finish, gauge, thickness, or grade of stainless steel; and whether or not covered by or encased in other materials. They may be imported either assembled or unassembled, with or without all components (including spears, couplers or taps, necks, collars, and valves), and filled or unfilled. Specifically excluded are: (1) vessels or containers that are not approximately cylindrically shaped; (2) stainless steel kegs, vessels, or containers that have either a ''ball lock'' or a ''pin lock'' valve system (commonly known as ''Cornelius'' kegs); (3) spears, couplers or taps, necks, collars, and valves that are not imported with the subject merchandise; and (4) filled stainless steel kegs designated by the Commissioner of Customs as "Instruments of International Traffic" within the meaning of Section 332(a) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: American Keg Company LLC, Pottstown, PA.
3. USITC Institution Date: September 20, 2018.
4. USITC Hearing Date: August 14, 2019.
5. USITC Vote Date: November 22, 2019.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: December 9, 2019.
U.S. Industry in 2018:
1. Number of U.S. producers: One.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Pennsylvania.
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 2018:
1. Subject imports: $97.7 million.
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: China, Germany, and Mexico.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 19-118
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-611 and 731-TA-1428 (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 aluminum wire and cable 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 USITC’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from China.
The Commission’s public report Aluminum Wire and Cable from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-611 and 731-TA-1428 (Final), USITC Publication 5001, December 2019) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by January 6, 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
Aluminum Wire and Cable from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-611 and 731-TA-1428 (Final)
Product Description: AWC products are insulated electrical conductors used in the transmission and distribution of electricity, relying on aluminum's relatively high thermal and electrical conductivities to transmit electrical power in industrial and commercial applications as well as some residential applications. The subject product can consist of one or more electrical conductors made from a single or multiple aluminum alloys. These alloys provide different combinations of electrical conductivity and tensile strength. AWC is manufactured to meet various industry standards and electric codes, including UL (safety standards) and/or National Electrical Code specifications, which denote temperature ratings, voltage, wet or dry conditions ratings, or other product attributes.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: Encore Wire Corporation, McKinney, TX; Southwire Company LLC, Carrollton, GA.
3. USITC Institution Date: Friday, September 21, 2018.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Thursday, October 17, 2019.
5. USITC Vote Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2019.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Monday, December 16, 2019.
U.S. Industry in 2018:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 5.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah.
3. Production and related workers: 1,720.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $654.2 million.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: $937.4 million.
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 17.8 percent.
U.S. Imports in 2018:
1. Subject imports: $126.9 million.
2. Nonsubject imports: $101.8 million.
3. Leading import sources: China, Turkey, Mexico.
News Release 19-117
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1424 (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 mattresses from China 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, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative. Commissioner Jason E. Kearns did not participate in this vote.
As a result of the USITC’s affirmative determination, Commerce will issue an antidumping duty order on imports of this product from China.
The Commission also made a negative finding concerning critical circumstances with regard to imports of this product from China. As a result, imports of mattresses from China will not be subject to retroactive antidumping duties.
The Commission’s public report Mattresses from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-1424 (Final), USITC Publication 5000, December 2019) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.
The report will be available by December 30, 2019; 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
Mattresses from China
Investigation No. 731-TA-1424 (Final)
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 investigation: Final phase antidumping duty investigation.
2. Petitioners: Corsicana Mattress Company, Dallas, TX; Elite Comfort Solutions, Newnan, GA; Future Foam Inc., Council Bluffs, IA; FXI, Inc., Media, PA; Innocor, Inc., Red Bank, NJ; Kolcraft Enterprises Inc., Chicago, IL; Leggett & Platt, Incorporated, Carthage, MO; Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC, Atlanta, GA; and Tempur Sealy International, Inc., Lexington, KY.
3. USITC Institution Date: Tuesday, September 18, 2018.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Friday, October 11, 2019.
5. USITC Vote Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2019.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Monday, December 9, 2019.
U.S. Industry in 2018:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 56
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
3. Production and related workers: 10,432.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $4.4 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: $918 million.
2. Nonsubject imports: [1]
3. Leading import sources: China (by quantity and value).
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 19-116
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1184
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain shaker screens for drilling fluids, components thereof, and related marketing materials. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.
The investigation is based on an amended complaint filed by M-I L.L.C. of Houston, TX, on November 7, 2019. The amended complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain shaker screens for drilling fluids, components thereof, and related marketing materials that infringe patents and registered trademarks 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:
Hebei GN Solids Control Co., Ltd., of Langfang, China;
GN Solids America LLC of Houston, TX;
Anping Shengjia Hardware Mesh Co., Ltd., of Hengshui City, China;
Hebei Hengying Wire Cloth Co., Ltd., of Hebei Province, China;
Xi’an Brightway Energy Equipment Co., Ltd., of Xi’an City, High Tech Development Zone, China; and
Brightway Solids Control Co., Ltd., of Houston, TX.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1184), 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 19-113
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-623 and 731-TA-1449 (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 vertical metal file cabinets 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 USITC’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from China.
The Commission’s public report Vertical Metal File Cabinets from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-623 and 731-TA-1462 (Final), USITC Publication 4995, December 2019) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by December 30, 2019; 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
Vertical Metal File Cabinets from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-623 and 731-TA-1449 (Final)
Product Description: Vertical metal file cabinets (VMFCs) are freestanding units of carbon and/or alloy steel and/or other metals, being 25 inches or less in width, and containing at least two extendable file drawers that are tall enough to store hanging files for either letter- or legal-sized sized documents. Surfaces of VMFCs can be painted, galvanized, or coated for corrosion protection or aesthetic appearance. Additional features can include: (1) one or more extendable non-file-sized (e.g., box or pencil) drawers; (2) a non-extendable (e.g., a cubby) storage area; or (3) mobility elements (e.g., casters, wheels, or a dolly). The subject merchandise can be imported either fully assembled or unassembled as a ready-to-assemble kit. Excluded from the scope of these investigations are: (1) lateral metal file cabinets, with a width exceeding 25 inches that is greater than the body depth; (2) pedestal file cabinets, with body depths that are greater than or equal to their width, are less than 31 inches tall, and are designed to be either freestanding or attached to or hung beneath a desktop or other work surface; and (3) fire-proof or fire-resistant file cabinets.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Final-phase countervailing duty and antidumping investigations.
2. Petitioners: Hirsh Industries LLC, Des Moines, Iowa.
3. USITC Institution Date: Tuesday, April 30, 2019.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Tuesday, October 8, 2019.
5. USITC Vote Date: Friday, November 8, 2019.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2019.
U.S. Industry in 2018:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 6.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
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 2018:
1. Subject imports: 1
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: China and Mexico.
[1] Withheld to avoid revealing business proprietary information.
News Release 19-112
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-630 and 731-TA-1462
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 glass containers 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 these products from China, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about December 19, 2019, and its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about March 3, 2020.
The Commission’s public report Glass Containers from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-630 and 731-TA-1462 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4996, November 2019) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after December 10, 2019; 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
Glass Containers from China.
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-630 and 731-TA-1462 (Preliminary)
Product Description: The merchandise subject to these investigations are certain glass containers with a nominal capacity of 0.059 liters (2.0 fluid ounces) up to and including 4.0 liters (135.256 fluid ounces) and an opening or mouth with a nominal outer diameter of 14 millimeters up to and including 120 millimeters. The scope includes glass jars, bottles, flasks and similar containers; with or without their closures; whether clear or colored; and with or without, design or functional enhancements (including, but not limited to, handles, embossing, labeling, or etching).
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary phase antidumping and countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: American Glass Packing Coalition, Tampa, FL; and Chicago, IL.
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, September 25, 2019.
4. USITC Conference Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2019.
5. USITC Vote Date: Friday, November 8, 2019.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Tuesday, November 12, 2019.
U.S. Industry in 2018:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 4
2. Location of producers’ plants: California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, New Jersey,
New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin.
3. Production and related workers: 11,510.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $4.1 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, Mexico, Taiwan, and Canada.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 19-111
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1183
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain foldable reusable drinking straws and components and accessories 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 The Final Co. LLC of Santa Fe, NM, on October 9, 2019, as amended on October 29, 2019. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain foldable reusable drinking straws and components and accessories thereof that infringe a patent 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:
Huizhou Sinri Technology Company Limited of Huizhou, Guangdong, China;
Hebei Serun Import and Export Trade Co., Ltd., of Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China;
Dongguan Stirling Metal Products Co., Ltd., of Dongguan, Guangdong, China;
Ningbo Wwpartner Plastic Manufacture Co., Ltd., of Ningbo, Zhejiang, China;
Shenzhen Yuanzhen Technology Co., Ltd., Longhua District, Shenzhen, China;
Jiangmen Boyan Houseware Co., Ltd., of Jiangmen, Guangdong, China;
Shanghai Rbin Industry And Trade Co., Ltd., of Shanghai, China;
Jiangmen Shengke Hardware Products Co., Ltd., of Jiangmen, Guangdon, China;
Funan Anze Trading Co., Ltd., of Fuyang, Anhui, China;
Hangzhou Keteng Trade Co., Ltd., of Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China;
Hunan Jiudi Shiye Import And Export Trading Co., Ltd., of Changsha, Hunan, China;
Shenzhen Yaya Gifts Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China;
Ningbo Weixu International Trade Co., Ltd., of Ningbo, Zhejiang, China;
Ningbo Beland Commodity Co., Ltd., of Ningbo, Zhejiang, China;
Xiamen One X Piece Imp.& Exp. Co., Ltd., of Xiamen, Fujian, China;
Hunan Champion Top Technology Co., Ltd., of Changsha city, Hunan province, China; and
Yiwu Lizhi Trading Firm of Jinhua, Zhejiang, China.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1183), 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.