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News Release 22-035
Inv. No(s). 332-589
Contact: Jennifer Andberg, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today released its report African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA): Program Usage, Trends, and Sectoral Highlights (Inv. No. 332-589). This investigation and report were requested by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means in a letter received on January 19, 2022.
As requested, the USITC, an independent nonpartisan factfinding federal agency, conducted an investigation to gather information on and analyze the AGOA program’s usage and impact in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This report provides information and analysis on the background and requirements of the AGOA program, utilization rates, trends in U.S. imports under AGOA, and the impact of the program on regional integration, workers, underserved communities, economic development, job growth, and poverty reduction. The report also includes case studies on four industries present in SSA: apparel, cotton, cocoa, and certain chemicals.
The report finds that the impact of the AGOA program on beneficiary countries can be substantial depending on the sector, especially apparel. Moreover, although the influence throughout SSA as a whole has been minimal, interviews by Commission staff, fieldwork, and some academic literature indicate that AGOA may have had a positive impact in key areas such as poverty reduction and job growth in some countries. The effect was found to be particularly important in the apparel sector and among underserved groups, such as women. Anecdotal evidence indicated that while meeting AGOA eligibility requirements created a positive impact on workers and poverty reduction, the loss of program eligibility due to failure to meet program requirements had a negative impact on beneficiary economies and regional integration.
Additional highlights from the report include:
- AGOA benefits accrue to a subset of countries and sectors within SSA. Over three-quarters of non-crude petroleum imports under AGOA originated from five countries during 2014–21: South Africa, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, and Ethiopia. Countries with lower utilization rates typically have few exports to the United States in general, or their primary traded goods are not eligible for AGOA preferences or are already duty free under normal trade relations.
- The SSA apparel sector has benefited substantially from the AGOA program. Of non-petroleum imports under AGOA, imports of textile and apparel constitute the largest share. Duty savings of up to 30 percent and the third-country fabric provision have allowed multiple countries to expand their manufacturing capacity. Employment in this sector has provided an avenue for women to enter the formal economy and earn relatively high wages. While there remains little direct usage of SSA-grown cotton and a reliance on East Asian mills for yarn and fabric, there are some limited examples of regional integration connecting SSA producers of textile inputs to apparel manufacturers.
- Agricultural products like cotton and cocoa are important sectors for a number of SSA economies. Growing these crops employs millions of farmers across the region, and their export is critical for accessing foreign exchange. Cocoa processing operations in the region allow the export of higher-value commodities like cocoa butter and powder. However, growing cotton and cocoa provides low income and therefore does not provide a reliable pathway for poverty reduction. Additionally, higher income cocoa processing employment is limited. Child work and child labor are present in the industries, particularly on family farms.
- Despite the SSA region’s access to ample feedstocks, the chemical industry’s potential impact across the region is limited, and substantial development will likely depend on mitigating competitive infrastructure weaknesses. South Africa is the only AGOA beneficiary or SSA country with an established and comparatively diversified chemical industry, but its growth beyond basic and commodity chemicals has been hindered because of unreliable transportation, water shortages, and a lack of dependable electricity.
African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA): Program Usage, Trends, and Sectoral Highlights (Inv. No. 332-589, USITC Publication 5419, March 2023) is available on the USITC website at https://www.usitc.gov/sites/default/files/publications/332/pub5419.pdf.
About factfinding investigations: USITC general factfinding investigations, such as this one, cover matters related to tariffs, trade, and competitiveness and are generally conducted under section 332(g) of the Tariff Act of 1930 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.
News Release 23-033
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1359
Contact: Jennifer Andberg, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain portable battery jump starters and components thereof. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by The NOCO Company of Glenwillow, OH, on February 13, 2023. An amended complaint was filed on March 13, 2023. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain portable battery jump starters and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a permanent limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:
- Shenzhen Carku Technology Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China;
- Aukey Technology Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen, China;
- Metasee LLC of Pearland, TX;
- Ace Farmer LLC of Houston, TX;
- Shenzhen Gooloo E-Commerce Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen China;
- Gooloo Technologies LLC of Shenzhen, China;
- Shenzhen Konghui Trading Co., Ltd., d/b/a Hulkman Direct of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China;
- HULKMAN LLC of Santa Clara, CA;
- Shenzhen Take Tools Co. Ltd. of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China;
- Shenzhenshi Daosishangmao Youxiangongsi d/b/a/ Fanttik Direct of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China;
- Shenzhenshi Dianjia Technology Co., Ltd. d/b/a Yesper Direct (Hong Kong Haowei Technology Co. Ltd.) of Hong Kong;
- Shenzhenshi Xinmeitemuxiangbao Zhuangyouxiangongsi d/b/a Thikpo (Spanarci) of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China;
- Guangzhou Sihao Trading Co., Ltd d/b/a Snailhome (Audew) of Shenzhen, China;
- ChangShaHongMaoKai KeJiYouXianGongSi d/b/a TopdonStarter of ChangSha HuNan China;
- Shenzhenshi Shoudiankejiyouxiangongsi d/b/a Solvtin of Sshenzhen Longhuaqu China;
- Shenzhen Winplus Shenzhen Pinwang Industrial Technology Co., Ltd. of Shenzhen, China;
- Winplus North America, Inc. of Costa Mesa, CA;
- Winplus NA, LLC of Costa Mesa, CA; and
- ADC Solutions Auto LLC d/b/a Type S Auto of Costa Mesa, CA.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1359), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The USITC’s Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC’s administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.
The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.
News Release 23-034
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1360
Contact: Jennifer Andberg, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain portable battery jump starters and components thereof. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by The NOCO Company of Glenwillow, OH, on February 13, 2023. An amended complaint was filed on March 13, 2023. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 based upon the importation into the United States, or in the sale of certain portable battery jump starters and components thereof by reason of common law trade dress infringement and false designation of origin, and false advertising, and unfair competition, the threat or effect of which is to destroy or substantially injure an industry in the United States. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a permanent limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:
- Shenzhen Carku Technology Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China;
- Aukey Technology Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen, China;
- Metasee LLC of Pearland, TX;
- Ace Farmer LLC of Houston, TX;
- Shenzhen Konghui Trading Co., Ltd., d/b/a Hulkman Direct of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China;
- HULKMAN LLC of Santa Clara, CA; and
- Shenzhenshi Daosishangmao Youxiangongsi d/b/a/ Fanttik Direct of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1360), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The USITC’s Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC’s administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.
The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.
News Release 23-032
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1358
Contact: Jennifer Andberg, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain LED landscape lighting devices, components thereof, and products containing same. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Wangs Alliance Corporation d/b/a WAC Lighting of Port Washington, NY, on March 10, 2023, and supplemented on March 23, 2023. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain LED landscape lighting devices, components thereof, and products containing same that infringe patents asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a permanent limited exclusion order and a permanent cease and desist order.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1358), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The USITC’s Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC’s administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.
The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.
News Release 23-031
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-552 and 731-TA-1308
Contact: Elizabeth Nesbitt, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on pneumatic off-the-road tires from India 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 orders on imports of this product from India will remain in place.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel 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 Pneumatic Off-the-Road Tires from India (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-552 and 731-TA-1308 (Review), USITC Publication 5417, April 2023) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.
The report will be available by May 25, 2023; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
BACKGROUND
The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time.
The Commission’s institution notice in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file responses with the Commission concerning the likely effects of revoking the order under review as well as other information. Generally within 95 days from institution, the Commission will determine whether the responses it has received reflect an adequate or inadequate level of interest in a full review. If responses to the USITC’s notice of institution are adequate, or if other circumstances warrant a full review, the Commission conducts a full review, which includes a public hearing and issuance of questionnaires.
The Commission generally does not hold a hearing or conduct further investigative activities in expedited reviews. Commissioners base their injury determination in expedited reviews on the facts available, including the Commission’s prior injury and review determinations, responses received to its notice of institution, data collected by staff in connection with the review, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.
The five-year (sunset) reviews concerning Pneumatic Off-the-Road Tires from India were instituted on February 1, 2022.
On May 9, 2022, the Commission voted to conduct full reviews. Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel concluded that the domestic interested party group response and the respondent interested party group response were adequate and voted for full reviews.
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.
News Release 23-030
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1357
Contact: Elizabeth Nesbitt, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain electronic anti-theft shopping cart wheels, components thereof, and systems containing the same. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Gatekeeper Systems, Inc., of Foothill Ranch, CA, on March 8, 2023. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain electronic anti-theft shopping cart wheels, components thereof, and systems containing the same that infringe patents asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue permanent limited exclusion orders and cease and desist orders, and impose a bond upon importation of infringing articles during the 60-day Presidential review period pursuant to 19 U.S.C. § 1337(j) to prevent further injury to Gatekeeper’s domestic industry relating to each of the Asserted Patents.
The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:
- Rocateq International B.V. of Barendrecht, The Netherlands;
- Rocateq USA, LLC, of San Fernando, CA; and
- Zhuhai Rocateq Technology Company Ltd. of Zhuhai, Guangdong, China.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1357), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The USITC’s Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC’s administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.
The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.
News Release 23-029
Inv. No(s). 337-TA-1356
Contact: Elizabeth Nesbitt, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain dermatological treatment devices and components thereof. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Serendia, LLC, of Lake Forest, CA, on March 1, 2023, and supplemented on March 2, 2023 (First Supplement); March 13, 2023 (Second and Third Supplements); and March 14, 2023 (Fourth Supplement). The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain dermatological treatment devices and components that infringe a patent asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a permanent limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:
- Sung Hwan E&B Co., LTD. d/b/a SHEnB Co. LTD of Seoul, Republic of Korea;
- Aesthetics Biomedical, Inc., of Phoenix, AZ;
- Cartessa Aesthetics, LLC, of Melville, NY;
- Lutronic Corporation of Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea;
- Lutronic Aesthetics, Inc., AKA Lutronic Inc. of Billerica, MA;
- Lutronic, LLC, of Billerica, MA;
- Ilooda Co., Ltd., of Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea;
- Cutera, Inc., of Brisbane, CA;
- Jeisys Medical Inc. of Seoul, Republic of Korea;
- Cynosure, Inc., of Westford, MA;
- Rohrer Aesthetics, LLC, of Homewood, AL;
- Rohrer Aesthetics, Inc., of Homewood, AL;
- EndyMed Medical Ltd., of Caesarea, Israel;
- EndyMed Medical, Ltd., of New York, NY; and
- EndyMed Medical Inc., of Freehold, NJ.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1356), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The USITC’s Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC’s administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.
The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.
News Release 23-028
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-663
Contact: Elizabeth Nesbitt, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revocation of the existing antidumping duty order on paper clips 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 order on imports of this product from China will remain in place.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel 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 Paper Clips from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-663 (Fifth Review), USITC Publication 5418, April 2023) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.
The report will be available by May 9, 2023; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
BACKGROUND
The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time.
The Commission’s institution notice in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file responses with the Commission concerning the likely effects of revoking the order under review as well as other information. Generally within 95 days from institution, the Commission will determine whether the responses it has received reflect an adequate or inadequate level of interest in a full review. If responses to the USITC’s notice of institution are adequate, or if other circumstances warrant a full review, the Commission conducts a full review, which includes a public hearing and issuance of questionnaires.
The Commission generally does not hold a hearing or conduct further investigative activities in expedited reviews. Commissioners base their injury determination in expedited reviews on the facts available, including the Commission’s prior injury and review determinations, responses received to its notice of institution, data collected by staff in connection with the review, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.
The five-year (sunset) review concerning Paper Clips from China (Fifth Review) was instituted on September 1, 2022.
On December 5, 2022, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review. Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel concluded that the domestic interested party group response was adequate and the respondent interested party group response was inadequate, and voted for an expedited 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.
News Release 23-027
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-539-C
Contact: Elizabeth Nesbitt, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that termination of the suspended 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 suspension agreement on imports of this product from Russia will remain in effect.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel 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 (Fifth Review), USITC Publication 5416, March 2023) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.
The report will be available by April 28, 2023; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
BACKGROUND
The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time.
The Commission’s institution notice in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file responses with the Commission concerning the likely effects of terminating the suspended investigation 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 (Fifth Review) was instituted on September 1, 2022.
On December 5, 2022, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review. Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel concluded that the domestic interested party group response was adequate and the respondent interested party group response was inadequate, and voted for an expedited 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.
News Release 23-026
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-865-867
Contact: Elizabeth Nesbitt, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revocation of the existing antidumping duty orders on stainless steel butt-weld pipe fittings from Italy, Malaysia, and the Philippines 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 orders on imports of this product from Italy, Malaysia, and the Philippines will remain in place.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel 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 Butt-Weld Pipe Fittings from Italy, Malaysia, and the Philippines (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-865-867 (Fourth Review), USITC Publication 5415, March 2023) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.
The report will be available by April 28, 2023; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
BACKGROUND
The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time.
The Commission’s institution notice in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file responses with the Commission concerning the likely effects of revoking the order under review as well as other information. Generally within 95 days from institution, the Commission will determine whether the responses it has received reflect an adequate or inadequate level of interest in a full review. If responses to the USITC’s notice of institution are adequate, or if other circumstances warrant a full review, the Commission conducts a full review, which includes a public hearing and issuance of questionnaires.
The Commission generally does not hold a hearing or conduct further investigative activities in expedited reviews. Commissioners base their injury determination in expedited reviews on the facts available, including the Commission’s prior injury and review determinations, responses received to its notice of institution, data collected by staff in connection with the review, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.
The five-year (sunset) reviews concerning Stainless Steel Butt-Weld Pipe Fittings from Italy, Malaysia, and the Philippines (Fourth Review) were instituted on November 1, 2022.
On February 6, 2023, the Commission voted to conduct expedited reviews. Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel concluded that the domestic interested party group response was adequate and the respondent interested party group responses were inadequate. Commissioners Schmidtlein, Kearns, Stayin, and Karpel voted for expedited reviews. Chairman Johanson voted for full reviews.
A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct expedited reviews is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.