September 11, 2017
News Release 17-127
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1069
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Pool and Spa Enclosures

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain pool and spa enclosures.  The products at issue in the investigation are telescoping enclosures for outdoor pools and spas.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Aqua Shield, Inc., of West Babylon, NY, on May 10, 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 pool and spa enclosures that infringe a patent asserted by the complainant.  The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.

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

Inter Pool Cover Team  of Slatinany, Czech Republic;
Alukov HZ Spol. S.R.O. of Slatinany, Czech Republic;
Alukov, Spol. S.R.O. of Nitra, Slovakia;
Pool & Spa Enclosures, LLC, of Monroe Township, NJ; and
Poolandspa.com of Las Vegas, NV.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1069), 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.

# # #
September 7, 2017
News Release 17-126
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-539-C (Fourth Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Uranium from Russia

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that terminating the suspended antidumping duty investigation on uranium from Russia 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 suspension agreement 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 Uranium from Russia (Inv. No. 731-TA-539-C (Fourth Review), USITC Publication 4727, September 2017) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.

The report will be available by October 11, 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 Uranium from Russia was instituted on December 1, 2016.

On May 8, 2017, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review.  Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and F. Scott Kieff 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 Meredith M. Broadbent concluded that the domestic group response for this review was adequate and that the respondent group response was inadequate, but that circumstances warranted 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.

# # #
September 5, 2017
News Release 17-125
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-253 and 731-TA-132, 252, 271, 273, 532-534, and 536 (Fourth Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Votes to Expedite Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Certain Circular Welded Pipe and Tube from Brazil, India, Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC or Commission) has voted to expedite its five-year (“sunset”) reviews concerning the antidumping duty orders on certain circular welded pipe and tube from Brazil, India, Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey and the countervailing duty order on certain circular welded pipe and tube from Turkey.

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 Commissioner Irving A. Williamson concluded that the domestic group response for these reviews was adequate and the respondent group responses were inadequate and voted for expedited reviews.   Commissioner Meredith M. Broadbent concluded that the domestic group response for these reviews was adequate.  With respect to Turkey, she concluded that the respondent group response was adequate and voted to conduct full reviews. With respect to Brazil, India, Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, and Thailand, she concluded that the respondent group responses were inadequate, but to promote administrative efficiency voted to conduct full 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.  From this page, search "circular welded pipe and tube" using the search box in the upper right corner.

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.

# # #
September 5, 2017
News Release 170124
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-865-867 (Third Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Votes to Expedite Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Stainless Steel Butt-Weld Pipe Fittings from Italy, Malaysia, and the Philippines

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC or Commission) has voted to expedite its five-year (“sunset”) reviews concerning the antidumping duty orders on stainless steel  butt-weld pipe fittings from Italy, Malaysia, and  the Philippines.

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.  From this page, search "stainless steel butt-weld pipe fittings" using the search box in the upper right corner.

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.

# # #
August 31, 2017
News Release 17-123
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1068
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Microfluidic Devices

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain microfluidic devices.  The products at issue in the investigation are certain microfluidic devices, commonly referred to as chips or cartridges, specifically designed to use either alone or in combination with genetic sequencing platforms.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., of Hercules, CA, and Lawrence Livermore National Security LLC of Livermore, CA, on July 31, 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 microfluidic devices that infringe patents asserted by the complainants.  The complainants request that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order.

The USITC has identified 10X Genomics, Inc., of Pleasanton, CA, as the respondent in this investigation.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1068), 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.

# # #
August 30, 2017
News Release 17-121
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1339 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Steel Concrete Reinforcing Bar from 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 steel concrete reinforcing bar from Taiwan that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are 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 USITC’s affirmative determination, Commerce will issue an antidumping duty order on imports of this product from Taiwan.

The Commission’s public report Steel Concrete Reinforcing Bar from Taiwan (Investigation No. 731-TA-1339 (Final), USITC Publication 4724, September 2017) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.

The report will be available by October 3, 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

Steel Concrete Reinforcing Bar from Taiwan
Investigation No. 731-TA-1339 (Final)

Product Description:  The merchandise subject to this investigation is steel concrete reinforcing bar, commonly known as “rebar.” Rebar typically is used in construction applications to provide strength to concrete. Rebar may be imported in either straight lengths or coil form, but is subject to this investigation regardless of metallurgy, length, diameter, or grade or lack thereof.  Plain rounds (non-deformed or smooth rebar), however, are excluded from the scope of the investigation.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Final phase antidumping duty investigation.
2.   Petitioners:  Rebar Trade Action Coalition and its individual members: Byer Steel Group, Inc., Cincinnati, OH; Commercial Metals Company, Irving, TX; Gerdau Ameristeel U.S. Inc., Tampa, FL; Nucor Corp., Charlotte, NC; and Steel Dynamics, Inc., Pittsboro, IN.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  September 20, 2016.
4.   USITC Hearing Date:  May 18, 2017.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  August 30, 2017.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  September 11, 2017.

U.S. Industry in 2016:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  10.
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
3.   Production and related workers:  4,085.
4.   U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments:  $3.2 billion.
5.   Apparent U.S. consumption:  $3.9 billion.
6.   Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption:  17.8 percent.

U.S. Imports in 2016:

1.   Subject imports:  $700.7 million.
2.   Nonsubject imports:  $79.0 million.
3.   Leading import sources:  Turkey, Japan, and Taiwan.

# # #
August 30, 2017
News Release 17-122
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-382 and 731-TA-800, 801, and 803 (Third Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determinations in Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty orders on imports of stainless steel sheet and strip from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan 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 Japan, Korea, and Taiwan and the existing countervailing duty order on imports of this product from Korea 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 these five-year (sunset) reviews.

The Commission’s public report Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-382 and 731-TA-800, 801, and 803 (Third Review), USITC Publication 4725, September 2017) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.

The report will be available by October 11, 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) reviews concerning Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan were instituted on July 1, 2016.

On October 4, 2016, the Commission voted to conduct full reviews.  With respect to Korea, all six Commissioners concluded that both the domestic and respondent group responses were adequate and voted for a full review.  With respect to Taiwan, all six Commissioners 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 Japan, Chairman Irving A. Williamson, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Dean A. Pinkert, 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 F. Scott Kieff concluded that both the domestic and the respondent group responses 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.

# # #
August 25, 2017
News Release 17-120
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-583 and 731-TA-1381 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations on Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings 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 cast iron soil pipe fittings from China 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 this product from China, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about October 6, 2017, and its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about December 20, 2017.

The Commission’s public report Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-583 and 731-TA-1381 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4722, September 2017) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after September 26, 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

Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-583 and 731-TA-1381 (Preliminary)

Product Description: The merchandise covered by this investigation is cast iron soil pipe fittings, finished and unfinished, regardless of industry or proprietary specifications, and regardless of size. Cast iron soil pipe fittings are nonmalleable iron castings of various designs and sizes, including, but not limited to, bends, tees, wyes, traps, drains, and other common or special fittings, with or without side inlets. Cast iron soil pipe fittings are classified into two major types—hubless and hub and spigot. Hubless cast iron soil pipe fittings are manufactured without a hub, generally in compliance with Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute (CISPI) specification 301 and/or American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specification A888. Hub and spigot pipe fittings have hubs into which the spigot (plain end) of the pipe or fitting is inserted. Cast iron soil pipe fittings are generally distinguished from other types of nonmalleable cast iron fittings by the manner in which they are connected to cast iron soil pipe and other fittings.

Status of Proceedings:

1.  Type of investigations:  Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty.
2.  Petitioners: Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute, Mundelein, IL.
3.  Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC: July 13, 2017.
4.  Commission’s conference: August 3, 2017.
5.  USITC vote: August 25, 2017.
6.  USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce: August 28, 2017.
7.  USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: September 5, 2017.

U.S. Industry:

1.  Number of producers in 2016: Three.
2.  Location of producers’ plants:  California, North Carolina, and Texas.
3.  Employment of production and related workers in 2016: [1]
4.  Apparent U.S. consumption in 2016: 1
5.  Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2016: 1

U.S. Imports:

1.  From the subject countries during 2016:  $9.8 million.
2.  From other countries during 2016:  $292,000.
3.  Leading sources during 2016: China (in terms of total value).

 

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

# # #
August 22, 2017
News Release 17-119
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1167
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Road Milling Machines and Components Thereof

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain road milling machines and components thereof.  The products at issue in the investigation are used to mill asphalt and concrete pavement to create an even base for the construction of a new surface.  The accused products include road milling machines, and components of a road milling machine such as:  scrapers, auxiliary drives, height-adjustable lighting columns, milling drum uncoupling functionality and hydraulically stabilized chassis.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Wirtgen America, Inc., of Antioch, TN, on July 19, 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 road milling machines and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainant.  The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.

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

Caterpillar Bitelli SpA of Minerbio BO, Italy;
Caterpillar Prodotti Stradali S.r.L. of Minerbio BO, Italy;
Caterpillar Americas CV of Geneva, Switzerland;
Caterpillar Paving Products, Inc., of Minneapolis, MN; and
Caterpillar Inc. of Peoria, IL.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1067), 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.

# # #
August 11, 2017
News Release 17-118
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1380 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Votes to Continue Investigation on Tapered Roller Bearings (TRBs) from Korea

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 tapered roller bearings from Korea that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.

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

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determination, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its antidumping duty investigation on imports of this product from Korea, with its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about December 5, 2017.

The Commission’s public report Tapered Roller Bearings (TRBs) from Korea (Inv. No. 731-TA-1380 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4721, August 2017) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.

The report will be available after September 11, 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

Tapered Roller Bearings (TRBs) from Korea
Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1380 (Preliminary)

Product Description: The scope of this investigation covers all tapered roller bearings with a nominal outside cup diameter of eight inches and under, regardless of type of steel used to produce the bearing, whether of inch or metric size, and whether the tapered roller bearing is a thrust bearing or not. Such tapered roller bearings include finished cup and cone assemblies entering as a set, finished cone assemblies entering separately, and finished parts (cups, cones, and tapered rollers). These tapered roller bearings are sold individually as a set (cup and cone assembly), as a cone assembly, as a finished cup, or packaged as a kit with one or several tapered roller bearings, a seal, and grease. The scope of the investigation includes finished rollers and finished cones that have not been assembled with rollers and a cage. Tapered roller bearings can be a single row or multiple rows (e.g., two- or four-row), and a cup can handle a single cone assembly or multiple cone assemblies.     

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigations:  Preliminary antidumping duty investigation.
2.   Petitioners: The Timken Company, North Canton, Ohio.
3.   Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC: Wednesday, June 28, 2017.
4.   Commission’s conference: Wednesday, July 19, 2017.
5.   USITC vote: Friday, August 11, 2017.
6.   USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce: Monday, August 14, 2017.
7.   USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: Monday, August 21, 2017.

U.S. Industry:

1.   Number of producers in 2016: Five.
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  Alabama, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
3.   Employment of production and related workers in 2016: [1]
4.   U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments in 2016: 1
5.   Apparent U.S. consumption in 2016: 1   
6.  Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2016: 1

U.S. Imports:

1.   From the subject countries during 2016:  $59.8 million.
2.   From other countries during 2016:  $590.9 million.
3.   Leading sources during 2016: Canada, Japan, Korea.

 

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

# # #