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News Release 19-043
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-447 and 731-TA-1116 (Second Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of circular welded carbon-quality steel pipe 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 determinations, the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from China will remain in place.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative. Commissioner Meredith M. Broadbent did not participate in these reviews.
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 Circular Welded Carbon-Quality Steel Pipe from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-447 and 731-TA-1116 (Second Review), USITC Publication 4901, June 2019) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.
The report will be available by July 5, 2019; 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 Circular Welded Carbon-Quality Steel Pipe from China were instituted on November 5, 2018.
On March 11, 2019, the Commission voted to conduct expedited reviews. Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns concluded 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 19-042
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-603-604 and 731-TA-1413-1414 (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 glycine from India and Japan that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value and imports that are subsidized by the governments of China and India.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the USITC’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping duty orders on imports of this product from India and Japan and countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from China and India.
The Commission’s public report Glycine from China, India, and Japan (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-603-604 and 731-TA-1413-1414 (Final), USITC Publication 4900, June 2019) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by July 5, 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
Glycine from China, India, and Japan
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-603-604 and 731-TA-1413-1414 (Final)
Product Description: Glycine, also known as aminoacetic acid, is a nonessential amino acid (Chemical Abstracts Service registry number 56-40-6). The organic chemical is produced naturally by humans and other organisms as a building block for proteins. Commercial production of glycine uses traditional chemical synthesis. Glycine is most commonly sold in its dry form as a white, free flowing powder. Glycine is odorless and sweet to the taste. Available in various grades, glycine is used in industrial applications, as well as pharmaceutical and food applications.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Final phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: Chattem and GEO.
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, March 28, 2018.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Tuesday, April 30, 2019.
5. USITC Vote Date: Wednesday, May 29, 2019.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Friday, June 14, 2019.
U.S. Industry in 2017:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 2.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Tennessee 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 imports from China, India, and Japan to apparent U.S. consumption: 1
U.S. Imports in 2017:
1. U.S. imports from China, India, and Japan: $18.6 million.
2. U.S. imports from Thailand: $4.6 million.
3. U.S. imports from all other sources: $480,000.
4. Leading import sources: China, India, Japan, and Thailand.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 19-041
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-621 and 731-TA-1447 (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 ceramic tile from China that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns 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 July 5, 2019, and its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about September 17, 2019.
The Commission’s public report Ceramic Tile from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-621 and 731-TA-1447 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4898, June 2019) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after June 25, 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
Ceramic Tile from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-621 and 731-TA-1447 (Preliminary)
Product Description: Ceramic tile (e.g., ceramic flooring tile, wall tile, paving tile, hearth tile, porcelain tile, mosaic tile, flags, finishing tile, etc.) that is fired so the raw materials are fused to produce a finished product that is less than 3.2 cm thick. All ceramic tile is subject to the scope regardless of end use, surface area, and weight; whether glazed or unglazed; regardless of the water absorption coefficient by weight; regardless of the extent of vitrification; and whether or not the tile is on a backing. Ceramic tile may include decorative features that may in spots exceed 3.2 cm in thickness. Subject merchandise also includes ceramic tile that undergoes minor processing (e.g., beveling, cutting, trimming, staining, painting, polishing, finishing, additional firing, etc.) in a third country prior to importation into the United States.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Preliminary phase countervailing duty and antidumping investigations.
2. Petitioners: American Wonder Porcelain, Lebanon, Tennessee; Crossville Inc., Crossville, Tennessee; Dal‐Tile Corp., Dallas, Texas; Del Conca USA, Inc., Loudon, Tennessee; Florida Tile, Inc., Lexington, Kentucky; Florim USA, Clarksville, Tennessee; Landmark Ceramics, Mount Pleasant, Tennessee; and StonePeak Ceramics, Chicago, Illinois.
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, April 10, 2019.
4. USITC Conference Date: Wednesday, May 1, 2019.
5. USITC Vote Date: Friday, May 24, 2019.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Friday, May 28, 2019.
U.S. Industry in 2018:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 9.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas.
3. Production and related workers: 2,976.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $1.2 billion.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: $3.5 billion.
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 17.8 percent.
U.S. Imports in 2018:
1. Subject imports: $626.3 million.
2. Nonsubject imports: $1.7 billion.
3. Leading import sources: Brazil, China, Italy, Mexico, and Spain.
News Release 19-040
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1158
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain digital video receivers, broadband gateways, and related hardware and software components. 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 Rovi Corporation and Rovi Guides, Inc., both of San Jose, CA, on April 26, 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 digital video receivers, broadband gateways, and related hardware and software components 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:
Comcast Corporation of Philadelphia, PA;
Comcast Cable Communications, LLC, of Philadelphia, PA;
Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC, of Philadelphia, PA; and
Comcast Holdings Corporation of Philadelphia, PA.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1158), 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 19-039
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1157
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain female fashion dresses, jumpsuits, maxi skirts, and accoutrements. 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 Style Pantry LLC of Beverly Hills, CA, on March 20, 2019. An amended complaint was filed on April 24, 2019. The complaint, as amended, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 based upon the importation and sale of certain female fashion dresses, jumpsuits, maxi skirts, and accoutrements by reason of false designation, false description, dilution, and obtaining sales by false claim of association, the threat or effect of which is to destroy or substantially injure an industry in the United States. 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:
Amazon.com Inc. of Seattle, WA;
Xunyun, Jiaxing Xunyung Imp & Exp Co. Ltd., of Zhejiang, China; and
Jianzhang Liao, Pinkqueen Apparel Inc., of Xiaman, China.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1157), 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 19-038
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1156
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain LED packages containing PFS phosphor and products containing 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 Current Lighting Solutions, LLC, of East Cleveland, OH; General Electric Co. of Boston, MA; and Consumer Lighting (U.S.), LLC, d/b/a GE Lighting, of East Cleveland, OH, on April 11, 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 LED packages containing PFS phosphor and products containing 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:
Cree, Inc., of Durham, NC;
Cree Hong Kong Ltd. of Hong Kong; and
Cree Huizhou Solid State Lighting Co. Ltd. of Guangdong, China.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1156), 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 19-037
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1155
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain luxury vinyl tile 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 Mohawk Industries, Inc., of Calhoun, GA; Flooring Industries Ltd. Sarl of Bertrange, Luxembourg; and IVC US Inc. of Dalton, GA, on March 25, 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 luxury vinyl tile and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainants. The complainants request that the USITC issue a general exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:
ABK Trading Corp. of Katy, TX;
Anhui Hanhua Building Materials Co., Ltd., of Anhui, China;
Aspecta North America, LLC, of Norwalk, CT;
Aurora Flooring LLC of Kennesaw, GA;
Benchwick Construction Products Ltd. of Jiangsu, China;
Changzhou Jinuo Decorative Material Co., Ltd., of Jiangsu, China;
Changzhou Marco Merit International Solutions Co. of Jiangsu, China;
Changzhou Runchang Wood Co., Ltd., of Jiangsu, China;
Christina & Son Inc. of Temple City, CA;
Chungstine Inc. d/b/a Expert Hardwood Flooring of Ontario, CA;
Davati Group LLC of Austin, TX;
DeSoto Sales, Inc. of Canoga Park, CA;
Global Wood Inc. of Walnut, CA;
Go-Higher Trading (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd., of Jiangsu, China;
Golden Tree Import & Export Inc. of Temple City, CA;
Halstead New England Corp. of Norwalk, CT;
Hangzhou Kingdom Import & Export Trading Co. Ltd. of Hangzhou, China;
IN.id Corp. of Diamond Bar, CA;
JC Int’l Trading, Inc., of City of Industry, CA;
Jiangsu Divine Building Technology Development Co. Ltd. of Jiangsu, China;
Jiangsu Lejia Plastic Co. Ltd. of Jiangsu, China;
JiangSu Licheer Wood Co., Ltd., of Jiangsu, China;
JiangSu TongSheng Decorative Materials Co., Ltd., of Jiangsu, China;
Jkgy Inc. d/b/a Nextar Trading of City of Industry, CA;
KJ Carpet Wholesale, Inc., of Pomona, CA;
Maxwell Flooring Distribution LLC of Houston, TX;
Metroflor Corp. of Norwalk, CT;
Mountain High Corp. of El Monte, CA;
Mr. Hardwood Inc. of Acworth, GA;
National Coverings, LLC, of Ft. Lauderdale, FL;
Nextar Wholesale of City of Industry, CA;
Northann Distribution Center Inc. of Sacramento, CA;
Pentamax Inc. of Compton, CA;
RBT Industries LLC d/b/a Hardwood Bargains of Austin, TX;
RC Vinyl Inc. of City of Industry, CA;
Royal Family Inc. of Temple City, CA;
Sam Houston Hardwood Inc. of Houston, TX;
Zhejiang Changxing Senda Bamboo and Wood Products Co. Ltd of Zhejiang, China;
Zhangjiagang Elegant Home-Tech Co. Ltd. of Jiangsu, China;
Zhangjiagang Elegant Plastics Co. Ltd. of Jiangsu, China;
Zhangjiagant Yihua Plastics Co., Ltd., of Jiangsu, China;
Zhangjiagang Yihua Rundong New Material Co. Ltd. of Jiangsu, China;
Zhejiean Kimay Building Material Technology Co., Ltd., of Zhejiang, China;
Zhejiang Kingdom Flooring Plastic Co., Ltd., of Zhejiang, China; and
Zhejiang Walrus New Material Co., Ltd., of Zhejiang, China.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1155), 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 19-036
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1446 (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 sodium sulfate anhydrous from Canada that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative. Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioner Meredith M. Broadbent voted in the negative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determination, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue with its antidumping duty investigation concerning imports of this product from Canada, with its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about September 4, 2019.
The Commission’s public report Sodium Sulfate Anhydrous from Canada (Inv. No. 731-TA-1446 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4895, May 2019) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.
The report will be available after June 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
Sodium Sulfate Anhydrous from Canada
Investigation No. 731-TA-1446 (Preliminary)
Product Description: Sodium sulfate, anhydrous (SSA) is a white, granular, crystallized powder with the chemical formula Na2SO4. This salt is primarily used in powder detergent formulations, glassmaking, pulp and paper, and textile dying. The subject merchandise includes SSA whose percentage of particles between 20 mesh and 100 mesh ranges from 10-95 percent and the percentage of particles finer than 100 mesh ranges from 5-90 percent, based on U.S. mesh series screens. The SSA may be of any purity, grade, color, and form of packaging, so long as there is no water of crystallization present. The product may be made either naturally, as a derivative of brines, or synthetically, as part of other chemical processes.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary phase antidumping duty investigation.
2. Petitioners: Cooper Natural Resources, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas; Elementis Global LLC, East Windsor, New Jersey; and Searles Valley Minerals, Inc., Overland Park, Kansas.
3. USITC Initiation Date: Thursday, March 28, 2019.
4. USITC Commission’s Conference: Thursday, April 18, 2019.
5. USITC Vote Date: Friday, May 10, 2019.
6. USITC Commission’s Determination: Monday, May 13, 2019.
7. USITC Commission’s Views: Monday, May 20, 2019.
U.S. Industry in 2018:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 8.
2. Location of producers’ plants: California, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas.
3. Production and related workers: 132.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $28.3 million.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: $35.8 million.
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 14.7 percent.
U.S. Imports in 2018:
1. Subject imports: $5.8 million.
2. Nonsubject imports: $1.7 million.
3. Leading import sources: Canada, China, India, Japan.
News Release 19-035
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-601 and 731-TA-1411 (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 laminated woven sacks from Vietnam 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 Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns 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 Vietnam.
The Commission’s public report Laminated Woven Sacks from Vietnam (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-601 and 731-TA-1411 (Final), USITC Publication 4893, May 2019) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by June 18, 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
Laminated Woven Sacks from Vietnam
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-601 and 731-TA-1411 (Final)
Product Description: Laminated woven sacks (LWS) are bags consisting of one or more plies of fabric of woven polypropylene strip and/or polyethylene strip that are laminated or bonded to an exterior ply of plastic film such as biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyester (PET), polyethylene (PE), nylon, or any film suitable for printing, or to an exterior ply of paper. The exterior ply is printed in three or more colors. LWS are sold and used primarily as packaging for retail products such as pet food and animal feed.
Status of Proceedings:
- Type of investigation: Final antidumping and countervailing duty investigations.
- Petitioners: Polytex Fibers Corporation, Houston, TX; ProAmpac, LLC, Cincinnati, OH.
- USITC Institution Date: March 7, 2018.
- USITC Hearing Date: April 4, 2019.
- USITC Vote Date: May 1, 2019.
- USITC Notification to Commerce Date: May 15, 2019.
U.S. Industry in 2017:
- Number of U.S. producers: 10.
- Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
- Production and related workers: 733.
- U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $172.5 million.
- Apparent U.S. consumption: $313.8 million.
- Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 31.8 percent.
U.S. Imports in 2017:
- Subject imports: $99.9 million.
- Nonsubject imports: $41.4 million.
- Leading import sources: Vietnam, Honduras, Korea, Colombia, India, Cambodia, Thailand.
News Release 19-030
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1410
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 rubber bands from Thailand 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 Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the USITC’s affirmative determination, Commerce will issue an antidumping duty order on imports of this product from Thailand.
The Commission’s public report Rubber Bands from Thailand (Inv. No. 731-TA-1410 (Final), USITC Publication 4887, April 2019) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.
The report will be available by May 13, 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
Rubber Bands from Thailand
Investigation No. 731-TA-1410 (Final)
Product Description: Rubber bands are flexible circular bands produced from hollow cylindrical tubes of vulcanized natural and synthetic rubber, mineral additives, dyes and pigments. Scope band lengths range 1/2 inch to 10 inches, circular band flattened on its side, and a width from about 1/16 inch to 2 inches; wall thickness up to 0.125 inches. The physical properties of rubber bands' superior elasticity, stretch strength, grip, and tear resistance, make it ideal for binding items together. Major rubber band consumer and industrial end use applications include stationery (office), industrial packaging (manufacturing), agricultural and aquaculture (produce and shellfish), retail, government and post office, advertising specialty and newspapers.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final phase antidumping duty investigation.
2. Petitioners: Alliance Rubber Company, Hot Springs, Arkansas.
3. USITC Institution Date: Tuesday, January 30, 2018.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Tuesday, November 13, 2018.
5. USITC Vote Date: Tuesday, April 9, 2019.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Monday, April 22, 2019.
U.S. Industry in 2017:
1. Number of U.S. producer(s): 1.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Arkansas and California.
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 2017:
1. Subject imports: 1
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: Thailand and China.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.