October 11, 2017
News Release 17-149
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1074
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation Concerning Certain Industrial Automation Systems and Components Thereof Including Control Systems, Controllers, Visualization Hardware, Motion and Motor Control Systems, Networking Equipment, Safety Devices, and

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain industrial automation systems and components thereof including control systems, controllers, visualization hardware, motion and motor control systems, networking equipment, safety devices, and power supplies.  The products at issue in the investigation include components used in the complainant’s industrial automation systems that bear the complainant’s Allen-Bradley® trademarks and that use the complainant’s copyrighted software and firmware.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Rockwell Automation, Inc., of Milwaukee, WI, on September 6, 2017.  The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain industrial automation systems and components thereof including control systems, controllers, visualization hardware, motion and motor control systems, networking equipment, safety devices, and power supplies that infringe trademarks and copyrights asserted by the complainant.  Additionally, the complainant alleges that the proposed respondents engage in unfair methods of competition and unfair acts in acquiring and then importing into the United States products unlawfully obtained from the complainant’s authorized distributors. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a general exclusion order and cease and desist orders.

The USITC has identified the following as respondents in this investigation:

Can Electric Limited of Guangzhou, Guangdong, China;
Capnil (HK) Company Limited of Hong Kong;
Fractioni (Hongkong) Ltd. of Shanghai, China;
Fujian Dahong Trade Co., Ltd., of Fujian, China;
GreySolution Limited d/b/a Fibica of Hong Kong;
Huang Wei Feng d/b/a A-O-M Industry of Shenzhen, China;
KBS Electronics Suzhou Co., Ltd., of Shanghai, China;
PLC-VIP Shop d/b/a VIP Tech Limited of Hong Kong;
Radwell International, Inc., d/b/a PLC Center of Willingboro, NJ;
Shanghai EuoSource Electronic Co., Ltd., of Shanghai, China;
ShenZhen T-Tide Trading Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen, China;
SoBuy Commercial (HK) Co. Limited of Jiangsu, China;
Suzhou Yi Micro Optical Co., Ltd., d/b/a Suzhou Yiwei Guangxue Youxiangongsi d/b/a Easy Micro-optics Co. LTD. of Suzhou, Jiansu, China;
Wenzhou Sparker Group Co. Ltd., of Wenzhou, China; and
Yaspro Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., of Shanghai, China.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1074), 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.

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October 6, 2017
News Release 17-148
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1189 (Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Will Conduct Full Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Large Power Transformers from Korea

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC or Commission) has voted to conduct a full five-year (“sunset”) review concerning the antidumping order on large power transformers from Korea.

As a result of the vote, the Commission will conduct a full review to determine whether revocation of the order would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.

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 notice of institution in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file with the Commission responses that discuss the likely effects of revoking the order under review and provide other pertinent 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.

Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and 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 on this matter 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. 

The record of the Commission's vote is also posted on the USITC's Internet site at http://pubapps2.usitc.gov/sunset/caseProf/list?sort=caseTitle&order=asc

The Federal Register notice will indicate whether any further information or statements will be available.  The Commission will issue a report after it completes its review.

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October 6, 2017
News Release 17-147
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-678-679 and 681-683 (Fourth Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Will Conduct Full Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Stainless Steel Bar from Brazil, India, Japan, and Spain

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC or Commission) has voted to conduct full five-year (“sunset”) reviews concerning the antidumping orders on stainless steel bar from Brazil, India, Japan, and Spain.

As a result of the votes, the Commission will conduct full reviews to determine whether revocation of the orders would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.

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 notice of institution in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file with the Commission responses that discuss the likely effects of revoking the order under review and provide other pertinent 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.

With respect to Japan and Spain, Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Meredith M. Broadbent concluded that both the domestic group response and the respondent group responses were adequate and voted for full reviews.  With respect to Brazil and India, Chairman Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman Johanson, and Commissioners Williamson and Broadbent concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group responses were inadequate, but that circumstances warranted full reviews.

A record of the Commission’s vote on these matters 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. 

The record of the Commission's votes is also posted on the USITC's Internet site at http://pubapps2.usitc.gov/sunset/caseProf/list?sort=caseTitle&order=asc

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October 6, 2017
News Release 17-145
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-442 and 731-TA-1095-1096 (Second Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Will Expedite Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Lined Paper School Supplies from China and India

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC or Commission) has voted to expedite its five-year (“sunset”) reviews concerning the antidumping orders on lined paper school supplies from China and India and the countervailing duty order on these products from India.

As a result of the votes, the Commission will conduct expedited reviews to determine whether revocation of the orders would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.

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 notice of institution in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file with the Commission responses that discuss the likely effects of revoking the order under review and provide other pertinent 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 determinations 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 reviews, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.

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 these reviews was adequate and the respondent group responses were inadequate and voted for expedited reviews.

A record of the Commission’s votes on these matters 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.

The record of the Commission's votes is also posted on the USITC's Internet site at http://pubapps2.usitc.gov/sunset/caseProf/list?sort=caseTitle&order=asc

The Federal Register notice will indicate whether any further information or statements will be available.  Only parties that filed adequate responses and filed timely notices of appearance are eligible to participate further in these reviews.  The Commission will issue a report after it completes its reviews.

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October 6, 2017
News Release 17-144
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-587 and 731-TA-1385-1386 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Votes to End Investigations on Titanium Sponge from Japan and Kazakhstan

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is not a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of titanium sponge from Japan and Kazakhstan that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the government of Kazakhstan.

Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Meredith M. Broadbent voted in the negative. 

As a result of the Commission’s negative determinations, the investigations will end.

The Commission’s public report Titanium Sponge from Japan and Kazakhstan (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-587 and 731-TA-1385-1386 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4736, October 2017) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after November 7, 2017; 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

Titanium Sponge from Japan and Kazakhstan
Investigation Nos: 701-TA-587 and 731-TA-1385-1386 (Preliminary)

Product Description:   Titanium sponge is a porous, brittle, unwrought form of titanium metal that has not been melted. The subject products include premium-quality (rotor-grade) titanium sponge that is used in rotating aircraft engine parts and standard-quality (industrial-grade) titanium sponge that is used in aerospace products other than rotating engine parts, in addition to other industrial end uses. Titanium sponge in this instance specifically excludes loose particles of unwrought titanium having a particle size less than 20 mesh (0.84 mm), alloyed or unalloyed briquettes of unwrought titanium metal that contain more than 0.2 percent oxygen on a dry weight basis, and ultra-high purity titanium sponge. The subject products are typically melted down to make titanium ingots before being further processed into various mill products, depending on the intended end use of the final product.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Preliminary phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2.   Petitioner:  Titanium Metals Corporation (TIMET), Exton, Pennsylvania.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Thursday, August 24, 2017.
4.   USITC Conference Date:  Thursday, September 14, 2017.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Friday, October 6, 2017.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Tuesday, October 10, 2017.

U.S. Industry in 2016:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  2
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  Nevada and Utah.
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 2016:

1.   Subject imports:  1
2.   Nonsubject imports:  1
3.   Leading import sources:  Japan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine.


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

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October 5, 2017
News Release 17-143
Inv. No(s). TA-201-076
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Increased Imports of Large Residential Washers Injure U.S. Industry, USITC Determines

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that large residential washers are being imported into the United States in such increased quantities as to be a substantial cause of serious injury to the domestic industry producing an article like or directly competitive with the imported article.

The determination was made in the context of an investigation initiated on June 5, 2017, under section 202 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. § 2252) in response to a petition filed by Whirlpool Corporation.  Information about this investigation and global safeguard investigations in general can be found here:  https://www.usitc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/201_factsheet_washers_final.pdf

The Commission’s determination resulted from a 4-0 vote.  Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Meredith M. Broadbent made affirmative determinations.

As a result of today’s vote, the Commission will proceed to the remedy phase of the investigation. The Commission will hold a public hearing on remedy on October 19, 2017.  The Commission will submit its report containing its injury determination, remedy recommendations, certain additional findings, and the basis for them to the President by December 4, 2017.

When the Commission makes an affirmative injury determination in a global safeguard investigation, it is required to make certain additional findings under the implementing statutes for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) (Canada and Mexico), the U.S.-Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic), the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement, the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, the Agreement between the United States of America and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on the Establishment of a Free Trade Area, the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement, the U.S.-Peru Free Trade Agreement, and the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement.

Chairman Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman Johanson, and Commissioners Williamson and Broadbent made negative findings with respect to imports from Canada and Mexico and all other FTA countries. 

These findings will be forwarded to the President as part of the Commission’s report.

The President, not the Commission, will make the final decision concerning whether to provide relief to the U.S. industry and the kind of relief to provide, including with respect to imports from FTA countries. 

A public report concerning the investigation will be available after the Commission submits its findings and recommendations to the President.

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October 4, 2017
News Release 17-141
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-683 (Fourth Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Fresh Garlic from China

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on imports of fresh garlic 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 and Meredith M. Broadbent 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 Fresh Garlic from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-683 (Fourth Review), USITC Publication 4735, October 2017) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.

The report will be available by November 9, 2017; 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 Fresh Garlic from China was instituted on April 3, 2017.

On July 7, 2017, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review.  Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein 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.  Vice Chairman David S. Johanson concluded that the domestic group response for this review was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for a full review.

A record of the Commission’s votes 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.

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September 29, 2017
News Release 17-139
Inv. No(s). 332-345
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Releases Shifts in U.S. Merchandise Trade 2016

Shifts in U.S. Merchandise Trade, 2016 is now available on the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) web site.

The USITC, an independent, nonpartisan federal agency, is providing data only in the 2016 edition of its annual interactive, web-based report. 

This year’s report provides trade data for 10 sectors, as well as data reflecting changes in U.S. bilateral trade with eight partners and/or regions, including Canada, Mexico, and the North American Free Trade Agreement area as a whole; China; the European Union, Asia, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and sub-Saharan Africa.

Among the 10 sectors covered in the report, the USITC found:

  • U.S. total exports fell in 2016 by $50.0 billion (3.5 percent) from $1,413.8 billion in 2015.
  • U.S. general imports decreased in 2016 by $60.8 billion (3.0 percent) to $1,978.2 billion.
  • With the exception of agriculture, exports of all sectors declined in 2016.
  • With the exception of agriculture, forest products, and electronics, imports of all sectors declined in 2016.

Shifts in U.S. Merchandise Trade 2016 can be accessed at https://www.usitc.gov/research_and_analysis/trade_shifts_2016/index.htm.

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September 29, 2017
News Release 17-140
Inv. No(s). 332-227
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
CBERA Continues to Have a Small but Positive Impact on Beneficiary Countries and a Negligible Effect on U.S. Consumers; Imports Declined in 2016, Says USITC

The overall effect of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) on the U.S. economy and U.S. consumers continues to be negligible, while the effect on beneficiary countries is small but positive, reports the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) in its publication Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act: Impact on U.S. Industries and Consumers and on Beneficiary Countries, Twenty-third Report, 2015-16.

The USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, recently issued its 23rd in a series of biennial reports monitoring imports under CBERA. The CBERA program, operative since January 1, 1984, affords preferential tariff treatment to most products of the 17 designated Caribbean countries that received CBERA benefits during the period covered in the report.

The USITC report covers the impact of CBERA, as modified by the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act of 2000 (CBTPA), and the HOPE and HELP Acts, on the United States, with particular emphasis on calendar year 2016. CBERA requires the USITC to prepare a biennial report assessing both the actual and the probable future effect of CBERA on the U.S. economy generally, on U.S. industries, and on U.S. consumers. The report also covers the impact of the preference program on the beneficiary countries. Following are highlights of the 2015-16 report.

  • The overall effect of CBERA-exclusive imports (imports that could receive tariff preferences only under CBERA provisions) on the U.S. economy generally and on U.S. industries and consumers continued to be negligible in 2016. The USITC identified one U.S. industry – methanol -- that might have faced negative effects due to competition from CBERA-exclusive imports.
  • Imports receiving preferential treatment under CBERA totaled $875.5 million in 2016, a decline of 43.2 percent from $1.5 billion in 2015. The decline was driven primarily by declining imports of energy products, specifically crude petroleum and methanol, from Trinidad and Tobago. Energy products accounted for 39.3 percent of total imports under CBERA in 2016, with Trinidad and Tobago supplying 99.9 percent of energy imports. U.S. imports under CBERA of agricultural products and "other mining and manufacturing products" also declined, but U.S. imports of textiles and apparel increased if imports under the HOPE and HELP Acts are taken into account. Textiles and apparel, supplied mainly by Haiti (not including imports under HOPE/HELP), accounted for 34.9 percent of imports under CBERA in 2016; agricultural products, 14.4 percent; and “other mining and manufacturing products,” 11.4 percent.
  • CBERA has encouraged several beneficiary countries to develop niche exports to the United States, including polystyrene from The Bahamas, fruits and fruit juices from Belize, and electronic products from St. Kitts and Nevis.
  • The report found that investment for the near-term production and export of CBERA-eligible products is not likely to result in imports that would have a measurable economic impact on the U.S. economy generally and on U.S. producers.
  • Exporting CBERA-eligible goods is a challenge for many CBERA beneficiaries because of supply-side constraints, including inadequate infrastructure and an increasing focus on the export of services. However, special CBERA provisions for Haiti have had a strong, positive effect on export earnings and job creation in Haiti's apparel sector.

Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act: Impact on U.S. Industries and Consumers and on Beneficiary Countries, Twenty-third Report, 2015-16 (Inv. No. 332-227, USITC Publication 4728, September 2017) is available at https://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub4728.pdf.

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 requestor. General factfinding investigation reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requestor for national security reasons.

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September 29, 2017
News Release 17-138
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-585-586 and 731-TA-1383-1384 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Votes to Continue Investigation on Stainless Steel Flanges 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 stainless steel flanges from China and India that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.

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

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on imports of these products from China and India, with its preliminary countervailing duty determinations due on or about November 9, 2017, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about January 23, 2018.

The Commission’s public report Stainless Steel Flanges from China and India (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-585-586 and 731-TA-1383-1384 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4734, October 2017) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after October 31, 2017; 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 Flanges from China and India
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-585-586 and 731-TA-1383-1384 (Preliminary)

Product Description: The stainless steel flanges subject to these investigations are forged and can be finished, semifinished, or unfinished. Subject flanges are made from stainless steel and are generally manufactured to, but not limited to, the material specification of ASTM/ASME A/SA182 or comparable domestic or foreign specifications. Subject stainless steel flanges meet the sizes and description standards for all pressure classes of ASME B16.5 and range in size from one-half inch to 24 inches in nominal pipe size. Stainless steel flanges are used to connect together stainless steel pipe sections and piping components (valves, pumps, tanks, and other equipment) to form a piping system. Stainless steel flanges are usually welded or screwed to the ends of pipes or other equipment requiring a connection and are joined to each other by bolting. Forged stainless steel flanges are a component of stainless steel process piping in oil and gas refineries, nuclear power plants, chemical synthesis plants, paper mills, food processing facilities, and other applications where cleanliness and corrosion resistance are required and in power plants where their high-temperature properties are needed.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigations: Preliminary phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners: Core Pipe Products, Inc., Carol Stream, IL; Maass Flange Corporation, Houston, TX.
3.   USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, August 16, 2017.
4.   USITC Conference Date: Wednesday, September 6, 2017.
5.   USITC Vote Date: Friday, September 29, 2017.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Monday, October 2, 2017.

U.S. Industry in 2016:

1.   Number of U.S. producers: 3
2.   Location of producers’ plants: Illinois, Michigan, 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 the value of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 1

U.S. Imports in 2016:

1.   Subject imports: $51.5 million.
2.   Nonsubject imports: $58.8 million.
3.   Leading import sources: India, China, Germany, Canada, and Japan (in terms of total value).

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

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