December 6, 2018
News Release 18-141
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-593-594 and 731-TA-1402 and 1404 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determinations Concerning Large Diameter Welded Pipe from China and India

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today announced its injury determinations in its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations concerning large diameter welded (LDW) pipe 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.

Four Commissioners identified three like products and one Commissioner identified two like products in these investigations.

LDW carbon and alloy steel line pipe (line pipe):  The Commission made an affirmative determination in its antidumping duty investigation of line pipe from China. Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein voted in the affirmative; Commissioner Meredith M. Broadbent voted in the negative. 

All four Commissioners voted to terminate the countervailing duty investigation of line pipe from China.

The Commission made affirmative determinations in its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of line pipe from India.  Chairman Johanson and Commissioners Williamson and Schmidtlein voted in the affirmative; Commissioner Broadbent voted in the negative.

LDW carbon and alloy steel structural pipe (structural pipe):  The Commission made affirmative determinations in its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of structural pipe from China.  Chairman Johanson and Commissioners Williamson, Schmidtlein, and Broadbent voted in the affirmative.

All four Commissioners voted to terminate the antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of structural pipe from India.

LDW stainless steel pipe (stainless steel pipe):  The Commission made negative determinations in its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of stainless steel pipe from China and India.  Chairman Johanson and Commissioners Williamson, Schmidtlein, and Broadbent voted in the negative.

Commissioner Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative with respect to LDW carbon and alloy steel pipe from China and India and concurred with the majority in voting in the negative with respect to LDW stainless steel pipe from China and India.

As a result of the USITC’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping duty orders on imports of LDW carbon and alloy steel line pipe from China and India and a countervailing duty order on imports of LDW carbon and alloy steel line pipe from India, and antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of LDW carbon and alloy steel structural pipe from China.

The Commission’s public report Large Diameter Welded Pipe from China and India (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-593-594 and 731-TA-1402 and 1404 (Final), USITC Publication 4859, December 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by January 14, 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

Large Diameter Welded Pipe (LDWP) from China and India
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-593-594 and 731-TA-1402 and 1404 (Final)

Product Description:  Large diameter welded pipe covered by these investigations is welded carbon and alloy steel pipe (including stainless steel pipe), more than 406.4 mm (16 inches) in nominal outside diameter (large diameter welded pipe), regardless of wall thickness, length, surface finish, grade, end finish, or stenciling. Large diameter welded pipe may be used to transport oil, gas, slurry, steam, or other fluids, liquids or gases. It may also be used for structural purposes, including, but not limited to, piling.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Final phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  American Cast Iron Pipe Company, Birmingham, AL; American Line Pipe Producers Association, Washington, DC; Berg Steel Pipe Corp., Panama City, FL; Berg Spiral Pipe Corp., Mobile, AL; Dura-Bond Industries, Inc., Export, PA; Skyline Steel, Newington, VA; Stupp Corporation, Baton Rouge, LA; and Welspun Tubular LLC, Little Rock, AR.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Wednesday, January 17, 2018.
4.   USITC Hearing Date:  Tuesday, November 6, 2018.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Thursday, December 6, 2018.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Thursday, December 20, 2018.

U.S. Industry in 2017:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  16.
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington.
3.   Production and related workers:  2,372.
4.   U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $1,336,431,000.
5.   Apparent U.S. consumption: $2,248,792,000.
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:  India, Canada, Korea, Germany, and Turkey.

# # #
November 30, 2018
News Release 11-140
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-612-613 and 731-TA-1429-1430 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations Concerning Polyester Textured Yarn from China and India

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 polyester textured yarn from China and India 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 and India, with its preliminary countervailing duty determinations due on or about January 11, 2019, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about March 27, 2019.

The Commission’s public report Polyester Textured Yarn from China and India (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-612-613 and 731-TA-1429-1430 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4858, December 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after December 31, 2018; 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

Polyester Textured Yarn from China and India
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-612-613 and 731-TA-1429-1430 (Preliminary)

Product Description:  Polyester textured yarn is synthetic multifilament yarn that is manufactured from polyester (polyethylene terephthalate). It is produced through a texturing process, which imparts special properties to the filaments of the yarn, including stretch, bulk, strength, moisture absorption, insulation, and the appearance of a natural fiber.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Preliminary phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  Unifi Manufacturing, Inc., Greensboro, North Carolina; Nan Ya Plastics Corp. America, Lake City, South Carolina.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Friday, October 18, 2018.
4.   USITC Conference Date:  Friday, November 8, 2018.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Friday, November 30, 2018.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Monday, December 3, 2018.

U.S. Industry in 2017:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  9.
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  North Carolina and South Carolina.
3.   Production and related workers:  1,043.
4.   U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments:  $271.5 million.
5.   Apparent U.S. consumption:  $404.0 million.
6.   Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption:  15.5 percent.

U.S. Imports in 2017:

1.   Subject imports:  $62.7 million.
2.   Nonsubject imports:  $69.8 million.
3.   Leading import sources:  China, Mexico, India, Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia.

# # #
November 26, 2018
News Release 18-139
Inv. No(s). TA-131-044 and TPA-105-005
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Probable Economic Effect of Providing Duty-Free Treatment for Currently Dutiable Imports from the European Union Will Be Focus of New USITC Investigation

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 the European Union (EU).

The investigation, U.S.-EU Trade Agreement: Advice on the Probable Economic Effect of Providing Duty-free Treatment for Currently Dutiable Imports, was requested by the USTR in a letter received on November 9, 2018. 

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 the EU 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 2018 and trade data for the year 2017.

In addition, as requested, the USITC will prepare an assessment of the probable economic effects of eliminating tariffs on imports from the EU 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 March 19, 2019.

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.  For the purposes of these analyses, the USTR requested that the Commission assume that the United Kingdom will no longer be a Member State of the EU.

The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation on December 18, 2018.  Requests to appear at the hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on December 6, 2018, with the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436.  For further information, call 202-205-2000.

The USITC also welcomes written submissions for the record.  Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary of the Commission at the above address and should be submitted at the earliest practical date but no later than 5:15 p.m. on January 4, 2019. All written submissions, except for confidential business information, will be available for public inspection.

Further information on the scope of the investigation and appropriate submissions is available in the USITC’s notice of investigation, dated November 20, 2018, 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 at 202-205-2000. 

# # #
November 16, 2018
News Release 18-138
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-739 (Fourth Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Clad Steel Plate from Japan

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on imports of clad steel plate from Japan would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determination, the existing antidumping duty order on imports of this product from Japan will remain in place. 

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative. 

Today’s action comes under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act.  See the attached page for background on this five-year (sunset) review.

The Commission’s public report Clad Steel Plate from Japan (Inv. No. 731-TA-739 (Fourth Review), USITC Publication 4851, December 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.

The report will be available by December 27, 2018; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.


BACKGROUND

The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time.

The Commission’s institution notice in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file responses with the Commission concerning the likely effects of revoking the order under review as well as other information.  Generally within 95 days from institution, the Commission will determine whether the responses it has received reflect an adequate or inadequate level of interest in a full review.  If responses to the USITC’s notice of institution are adequate, or if other circumstances warrant a full review, the Commission conducts a full review, which includes a public hearing and issuance of questionnaires.

The Commission generally does not hold a hearing or conduct further investigative activities in expedited reviews.  Commissioners base their injury determination in expedited reviews on the facts available, including the Commission’s prior injury and review determinations, responses received to its notice of institution, data collected by staff in connection with the review, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.

The five-year (sunset) review concerning Clad Steel Plate from Japan was instituted on January 2, 2018.

On April 9, 2018, the Commission voted to conduct a full review. Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Meredith M. Broadbent and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate, but that circumstances warranted a full review.  Commissioner Irving A. Williamson 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 the adequacy determination.

A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct a full review is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436.  Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.

# # #
November 8, 2018
News Release 18-137
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-589 and 731-TA-1394-1395 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Forged Steel Fittings from China and Italy Injure U.S. Industry, Says USITC

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of forged steel fittings from China and Italy 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 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 China and Italy and a countervailing duty order on imports of this product from China. 

The Commission’s public report Forged Steel Fittings from China and Italy (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-589 and 731-TA-1394-1395 (Final), USITC Publication 4850, November 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by December 10, 2018; 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

Forged Steel Fittings from China and Italy
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-589 and 731-TA-1394-1395 (Final)

Product Description:  The merchandise covered by these investigations is carbon and alloy forged steel fittings (FSF); available in a variety of shapes (including but not limited to elbows, tees, crosses, laterals, couplings, reducers, caps, plugs, bushings, unions, and outlets); either finished or unfinished; whether or not having threaded, socket weld, or other end connections; regardless of nominal pipe size, pressure rating, and wall thickness; and whether or not heat treated. These fittings are produced by forging from cast steel blanks or machining from bar stock or seamless tubular steel products. Specifically excluded are stainless steel fittings; butt-weld fittings, outlets, and nipples; and all fittings with a maximum pressure ratings of 300 pounds or less. FSF are utilized in oil and gas piping systems, chemical and petrochemical plants, electric-power generating plants, and industrial piping systems for distributing liquids and gasses under high pressure or that are corrosive.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Final countervailing duty and antidumping investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  Bonny Forge Corp., Mount Union, PA; and the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union (USW), Pittsburgh, PA.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Thursday, October 5, 2017.
4.   USITC Hearing Date:  Thursday, August 2, 2018.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Thursday, November 8, 2018.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Monday, November 19, 2018.

U.S. Industry in 2017:

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 2017:

1.   Subject imports:  $44.1 million.
2.   Nonsubject imports:  1
3.   Leading import source:  Taiwan, China, and Italy.

 

[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.

# # #
November 7, 2018
News Release 18-136
Inv. No(s). TA-131-043 and TPA-105-004
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Probable Economic Effect of Providing Duty Free Treatment for Currently Dutiable Imports from Japan Will Be Focus of New USITC Investigation

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 Japan.

The investigation, U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement: Advice on the Probable Economic Effect of Providing Duty-free Treatment for Currently Dutiable Imports, was requested by the USTR in a letter received on October 26, 2018.

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 Japan 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 2018 and trade data for the year 2017.

In addition, as requested, the USITC will prepare an assessment of the probable economic effects of eliminating tariffs on imports from Japan 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 January 24, 2019.

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 December 6, 2018.  Requests to appear at the hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on November 26, 2018, with the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436.  For further information, call 202-205-2000.

The USITC also welcomes written submissions for the record.  Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary of the Commission at the above address and should be submitted at the earliest practical date but no later than 5:15 p.m. on December 13, 2018. All written submissions, except for confidential business information, will be available for public inspection.

Further information on the scope of the investigation and appropriate submissions is available in the USITC’s notice of investigation, dated November 7, 2018, 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 at 202-205-2000.

# # #
November 2, 2018
News Release 18-133
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-610 and 731-TA-1425-1427 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations Concerning Refillable Stainless Steel Kegs from China, Germany, and Mexico

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 refillable stainless steel kegs from China, Germany, and Mexico 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 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, Germany, and Mexico, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about December 14, 2018, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about February 27, 2019.

The Commission’s public report Refillable Stainless Steel Kegs from China, Germany, and Mexico (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-610 and 731-TA-1425-1427 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4844, November 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after December 4, 2018; 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

Stainless Steel Kegs from China, Germany, and Mexico
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-610 and 731-TA-1425-1427 (Preliminary)

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:  Preliminary phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  American Keg Company LLC, Pottstown, PA.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  September 20, 2018.
4.   USITC Conference Date:  October 11, 2018.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  November 2, 2018.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  November 5, 2018.

U.S. Industry in 2017:

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 2017:

1.   Subject imports:  $68.1 million.
2.   Nonsubject imports:  1
3.   Leading import sources:  Germany, China, and Mexico.

 

[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.

# # #
November 2, 2018
News Release 18-134
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-611 and 731-TA-1428 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations Concerning Aluminum Wire and Cable from China

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 aluminum wire and cable 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 December 17, 2018, and its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about February 28, 2019.

The Commission’s public report Aluminum Wire and Cable from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-611 and 731-TA-1428 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4843, November 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after December 4, 2018; 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 (Preliminary)

Product Description:  An aluminum wire and cable (AWC) product is an assembly of one or more electrical conductors of 8000 Series Aluminum Alloys, Aluminum Alloy 1350, and/or Aluminum Alloy 6201, provided that (1) at least one of the conductors is insulated; (2) each insulated conductor has a voltage rating greater than 80 volts but not exceeding 1,000 volts; and (3) at least one conductor is stranded and has a size not less than 16.5 thousand circular mil (kcmil) but not greater than 1,000 kcmil. The assembly may (1) include a grounding or neutral conductor; (2) be clad with aluminum, steel, or other base metal; or (3) include a steel support center wire, one or more connectors, a tape shield, a jacket or other covering, and/or filler materials. Most AWC products conform to National Electrical Code and Underwriters Laboratories standards, but such conformity is not required for the merchandise to be within the scope. Specifically excluded are (1) conductors included in equipment already assembled at the time of importation and (2) AWC products less than six feet in actual length.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  Encore Wire Corp., McKinney, TX; and Southwire Co. LLC, Carrollton, GA.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Friday, September, 21 2018.
4.   USITC Conference Date:  Friday, October 12, 2018.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Friday, November 2, 2018.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Monday, November 5, 2018.

U.S. Industry in 2017:

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:  1,848.
4.   U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments:  $630.9 million.
5.   Apparent U.S. consumption:  $869.7 million.
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:  China, Mexico, Canada, Ecuador, and Turkey.

 

[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.

# # #
November 2, 2018
News Release 18-135
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-672-673 (Fourth Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determinations in Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Silicomanganese from China and Ukraine

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty orders on imports of silicomanganese from China and Ukraine 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 duty orders on imports of this product from China and Ukraine 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 voted in the affirmative with respect to Ukraine and the negative with respect to China.

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) reviews.

The Commission’s public report Silicomanganese from China and Ukraine (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-672-673 (Fourth Review), USITC Publication 4845, November 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.

The report will be available by December 7, 2018; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.


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 Silicomanganese from China and Ukraine were instituted on October 2, 2017.

On January 5, 2018, the Commission voted to conduct full reviews. With respect to China, Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, David S. Johanson, Irving A. Williamson, and Meredith M. Broadbent concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate, but that circumstances warranted a full review.  With respect to Ukraine, Commissioners Schmidtlein, Johanson, Williamson, and Broadbent concluded that both the domestic group response and the respondent group response were adequate and voted for a full review.

A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct full reviews is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436.  Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.

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November 1, 2018
News Release 18-132
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1424 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Votes to Continue Investigation Concerning Mattresses from China

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 China that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein voted in the affirmative.  Commissioners Meredith M. Broadbent and Jason E. Kearns did not participate in this investigation.

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 China, with its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about February 26, 2019.

The Commission’s public report Mattresses from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-1424 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4842, November 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.

The report will be available after November 30, 2018; 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 (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), an air or water bladder,[1] 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:  Preliminary phase antidumping duty investigation.
2.   Petitioners:  Corsicana Mattress Company, Dallas, Texas; Elite Comfort Solutions, Newnan, Georgia; Future Foam Inc., Council Bluffs, Iowa; FXI, Inc., Media, Pennsylvania; Innocor, Inc., Red Bank, New Jersey; Kolcraft Enterprises Inc., Chicago, Illinois; Leggett & Platt, Incorporated, Carthage, Missouri; Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC, Atlanta, Georgia; and Tempur Sealy International, Inc., Lexington, Kentucky.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Tuesday, September 18, 2018.
4.   USITC Conference Date:  Tuesday, October 9, 2018.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Thursday, November 1, 2018.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Friday, November 2, 2018.

U.S. Industry in 2017:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  357.
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 Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
3.   Production and related workers:  [2]
4.   U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: 16,754,826 mattresses ($4.5 billlion).
5.   Apparent U.S. consumption: 2
6.   Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 2

U.S. Imports in 2017:

1.   Subject imports: 6,114,504 mattresses ($781 million).
2.   Nonsubject imports: 2
3.   Leading import sources:  China (by quantity and value).

 

[1] Airbeds and waterbeds are excluded from the scope.

[2] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.

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