USITC
USITC Releases Ninth Annual Report on U.S. Textile and Apparel Imports from China
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today released its annual compilation of reports published every two weeks on textile and apparel imports from China.
The report, Textile and Apparel Imports from China: Statistical Reports, Annual Compilation 2017, was requested by the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Ways and Means.
As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, produced an annual compilation of data that has been posted on a bi-weekly basis on the USITC website. The data in the report are shown on an annual and quarterly basis, by category and by Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) 10-digit subheadings.
By category, annual data are provided from 2011 through 2017, and quarterly data are provided from first quarter 2016 through fourth quarter 2017. By HTS10 subheading, annual data are provided from 2015 through 2017, and quarterly data are provided from first quarter 2016 through fourth quarter 2017.
The report also will be available on the USITC Internet site in Excel and PDF formats at https://www.usitc.gov/research_and_analysis/what_we_are_working_on.htm (scroll down to the bottom of the page).
USITC general factfinding investigations, such as this one, cover matters related to tariffs or trade and are generally conducted at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative, the House Committee on Ways and Means, or the Senate Committee on Finance. The resulting reports convey the Commission's objective findings and independent analyses on the subjects investigated. The Commission makes no recommendations on policy or other matters in its general factfinding reports. Upon completion of each investigation, the USITC submits its findings and analyses to the requester. General factfinding investigation reports are subsequently released to the public unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.
Dumped Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber from China, India, Korea, and Taiwan Injures 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 fine denier polyester staple fiber from China, India, Korea, and Taiwan 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, and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein voted in the affirmative. Commissioner Jason E. Kearns did not participate in this investigation.
As a result of the USITC’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping duty orders on imports of these products from China, India, Korea, and Taiwan.
The Commission’s public report Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber from China, India, Korea, and Taiwan (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1369-1372 (Final), USITC Publication 4803, July 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.
The report will be available by August 3, 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
Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber from China, India, Korea, and Taiwan
Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1369-1372 (Final)
Product Description: Fine denier PSF is a manmade fiber, similar in appearance to cotton or wool. The distinguishing physical characteristics of fine denier polyester staple fiber include the denier count (less than 3 denier) and the length of the fiber. Other variable characteristics of fine denier PSF may be the finish ("luster") applied to the fiber, and the "crimp" of the fiber, which impacts the fiber's tenacity, or strength. Fine denier PSF is used for knit, woven, and nonwoven applications. Knit or woven applications include the production of textiles, such as clothing and bed linens. Nonwoven applications include the production of household and hygiene products such as baby wipes, diapers, or coffee filters.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final phase antidumping duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: Dak Americas, LLC, Charlotte, NC; Nan Ya Plastics Corporation, America, Lake City, SC; Auriga Polymers Inc., Charlotte, NC.
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, May 31, 2017.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Wednesday, January 17, 2018.
5. USITC Vote Date: Thursday, June 28, 2018.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Friday, July 13, 2018.
U.S. Industry in 2016:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 5.
2. Location of producers’ plants: North Carolina and South Carolina.
3. Production and related workers: 654.
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 2016:
1. Subject imports: 1
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: China, Germany, India.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
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USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Earpiece Devices and Components Thereof
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain earpiece devices and components thereof. The products at issue in the investigation are in-ear headphones and accessories using a retaining structure to secure the device in a user’s ear.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Bose Corporation of Framingham, MA, on May 24, 2018. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain earpiece devices and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a general exclusion order, or in the alternative a limited exclusion order, and cease and desist orders.
The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:
IMORE USA, Inc., of San Diego, CA;
APSkins of Seattle, WA;
Beeebo Online Limited of North Las Vegas, NV;
iHip of Edison, NJ;
LMZT LLC of Brooklyn, NY;
Misodiko of ShenZhen, GuangDong, China;
Phaiser LLC of Houston, TX;
Phonete of Shenzhen, China;
REVJAMS of New York, NY;
SMARTOMI Products, Inc., of Ontario, CA;
Spigen, Inc., of Irvine, CA;
Sudio AB of Stockholm, Sweden;
Sunvalley Tek International, Inc., of Fremont, CA; and
TomRich of PingHu Town, LongGang District, Shenzhen, China.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1121), 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.
Subsidized Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Resin from India Does Not Injure U.S. Industry, Says USITC
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is not materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resin that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized by the government of India.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein voted in the negative. Commissioner Jason E. Kearns did not participate in this investigation.
As a result of the USITC’s negative determination, no countervailing duty order will be issued.
The Commission’s public report Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Resin from India (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-588 and 731-TA-1392-1393 (Final), USITC Publication 4801, July 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.
The report will be available by July 27, 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
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Resin from India"
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-588 (Final)
Product Description: Polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”) is a crystalline polymer of tetrafluoroethylene (“TFE”) consisting of repeating units of carbon and fluorine (C2F4). The product covered by this investigation is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resin, including but not limited to granular, dispersion, or coagulated dispersion (also known as fine powder). PTFE is covered by the scope whether filled or unfilled, whether or not modified, and whether or not containing co‐polymer additives, pigments, or other materials. Also included is PTFE wet raw polymer. PTFE further processed into micropowder, having particle size typically ranging from 1 to 25 microns, and a melt‐flow rate no less than 0.1 gram/10 minutes, is excluded from the scope of covered products. PTFE has a variety of end‐use applications due to its chemical inertness, heat and chemical resistance, electrical insulation properties, low coefficient of friction and functionality over a wide temperature range (‐40°C to 260°C). PTFE’s properties make the resin resistant to oxidation and reaction with other chemicals (e.g., strong acids, alkalis, and oxidizing agents). PTFE products include gaskets, seals, linings, packing materials, tubing, and pipe liners, and pipe coatings.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final countervailing duty.
2. Petitioners: The Chemours Company FC, LLC, Wilmington, Delaware.
3. USITC Institution Date: September 28, 2017.
4. USITC Hearing Date: May 17, 2018.
5. USITC Vote Date: June 22, 2018.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: July 6, 2018.
U.S. Industry in 2017:
1. Number of U.S. producers and processors: 8.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, 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: 1
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: Germany and Italy (in terms of value).
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
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Citric Acid and Certain Citrate Salts from Belgium, Colombia, and Thailand 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 citric acid and certain citrate salts from Belgium, Colombia, and 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, and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein voted in the affirmative. Commissioner Jason E. Kearns did not participate in these investigations.
As a result of the USITC’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping duty orders on imports of these products from Belgium, Colombia, and Thailand.
The Commission also made a negative finding concerning critical circumstances with regard to imports of this product from Thailand. As a result, imports of citric acid and certain citrate salts from Thailand will not be subject to retroactive antidumping duties.
The Commission’s public report Citric Acid and Certain Citrate Salts from Belgium, Colombia, and Thailand (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1374-1376 (Final), USITC Publication 4799, July 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by July 27, 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
Citric Acid And Certain Citrate Salts from Belgium, Colombia, and Thailand
Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1374-1376 (Final)
Product Description: Citric acid and certain citrate salts, specifically sodium citrate and potassium citrate, are chemical products used in the production and formulation of a wide variety of foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics as well as commercial and household products including detergents, metal cleaners, textile finishing treatments, and other industrial applications. Citric acid, sodium citrate, and potassium citrate are all normally sold as odorless, translucent crystals available in three granulations: granular, fine granular, and powder. Citric acid is also available in solution. Crude calcium citrate, an intermediate form in the production of citric acid, can be shipped to another facility for further processing into refined citric acid.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final phase antidumping duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: Archer Daniels Midland Company, Decatur, Illinois; Cargill, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Tate & Lyle Ingredients Americas LLC, Hoffman Estates, Illinois.
3. USITC Institution Date: Friday, June 2, 2017.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Monday, May 14, 2018.
5. USITC Vote Date: Wednesday, June 20, 2018.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Friday, July 6, 2018.
U.S. Industry in 2017:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 3
2. Location of producers’ plants: Iowa, North Carolina, and Ohio.
3. Production and related workers: 319.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $275.9 million.
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: $113.6 million.
2. Nonsubject imports: [1]
3. Leading import sources: Canada, Thailand, and Colombia.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
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USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Folding Gift Boxes from China
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on imports of folding gift boxes from China would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determination, the existing antidumping duty order on imports of this product from China will remain in place.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein voted in the affirmative. Commissioner Jason E. Kearns did not participate in this review.
Today’s action comes under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. See the attached page for background on this five-year (sunset) review.
The Commission’s public report Folding Gift Boxes from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-921 (Third Review), USITC Publication 4800, July 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.
The report will be available by July 23, 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 Folding Gift Boxes from China was instituted on February 1, 2018.
On May 7, 2018, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review. Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Meredith M. Broadbent concluded that the domestic group response for this review was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for an expedited review. Commissioner Jason E. Kearns did not participate in this review.
A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct an expedited review is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.
David S. Johanson Becomes Chairman of U.S. International Trade Commission
On June 17th, 2018, David S. Johanson became Chairman of the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC). He succeeded outgoing Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, whose term as Chairman expired on June 16, 2018. Johanson, the senior Republican on the Commission, became Chairman by operation of law in the absence of a Presidential designation.
Johanson was nominated to the USITC by President Barack Obama on April 8, 2011, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on October 31, 2011. He was sworn in as a member of the Commission on December 8, 2011, for the Commission term expiring on December 16, 2018. He served as Vice Chairman of the USITC from August 11, 2016, to June 16, 2018.
Johanson served as International Trade Counsel on the Republican staff of the Committee on Finance of the U.S. Senate from 2003 until his USITC appointment. While on the staff of the Committee on Finance, he was responsible for legislative and policy matters involving negotiations of the World Trade Organization, the Free Trade Area of the Americas, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and numerous free trade agreements. He assisted in the passage of implementing legislation for free trade agreements between the United States and Australia, Bahrain, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Morocco, Nicaragua, Oman, Panama, Peru, Singapore, and South Korea. He also worked on legislative matters concerning trade preference programs (the Generalized System of Preferences, the African Growth and Opportunity Act, the Caribbean Basin Initiative, and the Andean Trade Preference Act), Miscellaneous Tariff Bills, Trade Adjustment Assistance, and the trade-related provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill.
Prior to his employment at the Committee on Finance, he practiced international trade law for six years at the law firm of Stewart and Stewart in Washington, D.C. Earlier in his career, he worked for Senator Phil Gramm (R-TX), Representative Wally Herger (R-CA), and Representative George Radanovich (R-CA).
Johanson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanford University, a Master of Philosophy degree from Cambridge University, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Texas School of Law. Chairman Johanson is an Eagle Scout. He is originally from Austin, Texas.
The USITC is an independent, nonpartisan, quasi-judicial federal agency that makes determinations in proceedings involving imports claimed to injure a domestic industry or violate U.S. intellectual property rights; provides independent tariff, trade, and competitiveness-related analysis and information to the legislative and executive branches of government; and maintains the U.S. tariff schedule. Commissioners are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for nine year terms, unless they are appointed to fill unexpired terms.
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Human Milk Oligosaccharides and Methods of Producing the Same
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain human milk oligosaccharides and methods of producing the same. The products at issue in the investigation are 2’-fucosyllactose oligosaccharides.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Glycosyn LLC of Waltham, MA, on April 2, 2018. An amended complaint was filed on May 16, 2018. The complaint, as amended, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain human milk oligosaccharides and methods of producing the same that infringe patents asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order.
The USITC has identified Jennewein Biotechnologie GmbH of Rheinbreitbach, Germany, as the respondent in this investigation.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1120), 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.
USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Activated Carbon from China
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on imports of activated carbon from China would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determination, the existing antidumping duty order on imports of this product from China will remain in place.
Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, 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 Activated Carbon from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-1103 (Second Review), USITC Publication 4797, June 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.
The report will be available by July 18, 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 Activated Carbon from China was instituted on February 1, 2018.
On May 7, 2018, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review. Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Jason E. Kearns concluded that the domestic group response for this review was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for an expedited review. Vice Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioner Meredith M. 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 an expedited review is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.
U.S. Services Providers Remain Competitive in the Global Services Market, Reports USITC
The United States is the world's largest services market and was the world’s leading exporter and importer of services in 2016, reports the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) in its new publication Recent Trends in U.S. Services Trade, 2018 Annual Report.
The USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, compiles the report annually. Each year's report presents a qualitative and quantitative overview of U.S. trade in services and highlights some of the services sectors and geographic markets that contribute substantially to recent services trade performance.
This year’s report focuses on electronic services and includes chapters on three specific industries: audiovisual services, computer services, and telecommunication services. Each chapter analyzes global market conditions in the industry, examines recent trade performance, and summarizes the industry’s outlook.
The report describes trade in services via cross-border transactions through 2016 and via sales by and purchases from affiliates of services firms through 2015 (latest available data). Highlights include:
- In 2016, the value of U.S. cross-border commercial services exports was $733.6 billion, while imports totaled $483.1 billion. The leading markets for cross-border U.S. services exports were the UK, China, Canada, Ireland, and Japan. Similarly, the UK, Germany, Japan, Canada, and India supplied the largest single-country shares of U.S. services imports. Preliminary data also indicate that in 2017, U.S. cross-border services exports increased to $761.7 billion, while imports rose to $516.0 billion.
- In 2015, sales by foreign affiliates of U.S. services firms totaled $1.4 trillion, while purchases from U.S. affiliates of foreign services firms totaled $952.5 billion. The largest markets for sales of services by U.S.-owned foreign affiliates were the UK, Canada, and Ireland. The largest shares of purchases were from firms based in Japan, the UK, and Germany.
- Electronic services accounted for 12.7 percent ($93.4 billion) of total U.S. cross-border services exports and 11.2 percent ($54.3 billion) of imports in 2016. Foreign affiliates of U.S. electronic services firms represented 18.5 percent ($270.1 billion) of sales by U.S.-owned foreign affiliates in all industries in 2015, while U.S. affiliates of foreign electronic services firms represented 13.9 percent ($132.7 billion) of purchases from foreign-owned U.S. affiliates in all industries.
- In 2016, value added by the U.S. electronic services sector was $989 billion, and the sector accounted for 6.9 percent of U.S. private sector GDP. Electronic services accounted for a small share of total U.S. private sector employment in 2016, with 3.7 million full-time equivalent employees (3.2 percent of total private sector employment). The sector had average output per worker of $265,717, and electronic services workers earned an average wage of $106,052.
- Audiovisual services are growing rapidly worldwide, and the Chinese market is of growing interest to U.S. filmmakers, though state censorship and foreign film quotas limit market access. In emerging markets, computer services are becoming widely available via mobile devices; additionally, goods manufacturers are increasingly building computer-enabled services into their production processes. U.S. telecommunications carriers are investing in network infrastructure, connecting a growing array of devices to the internet, and entering content and advertising markets.
- The USITC hosted its 11th annual services roundtable on October 25, 2017. The discussion, summarized in the report, focused on the relationship between goods and services trade, and recent developments in the tradability of services.
Recent Trends in U.S. Services Trade, 2018 Annual Report (Investigation No. 332-345, USITC publication 4789) is available on the USITC's Internet site at http://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub4789.pdf.