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News Release 16-016
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1306 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
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 large residential washers from China that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.
All six Commissioners voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determination, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its investigation on imports of these products from China, with its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about May 24, 2016.
The Commission’s public report Large Residential Washers from China (Investigation No. 731-TA-1306 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4591, February 2016) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.
The report will be available after February 29, 2016. After that date, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Office of Industries
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Large Residential Washers from China
Investigation No. 731-TA-1306 (Preliminary)
Product Description: Large residential washers (LRWs) are automatic clothes washing machines, regardless of the orientation of the rotational axis (horizontal or vertical) of the laundry drum, with a cabinet width (measured from its widest point) of at least 24.5 inches (62.23 cm) and no more than 32.0 inches (81.28 cm). Also included are certain parts of LRWs, namely cabinets, tubs, baskets, and combinations of such parts. In this instance, LRWs exclude the following products: (1) stacked washer-dryers that have a washing and drying machines built on a unitary frame and share a common control console; (2) commercial washers with electronics for payment; (3) certain low technology top loading or front loading washers that have a drive train using belts; and (4) extra-wide, front loading washers with a horizontal rotational axis and a cabinet width of more than 28.5 inches (72.39 cm). LRWs are used in residences for washing clothes.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary antidumping duty.
2. Petitioner: Whirlpool Corp., Benton Harbor, MI.
3. Preliminary investigation instituted by the USITC: December 16, 2015.
4. Commission’s conference: January 6, 2016.
5. USITC vote: January 29, 2016.
6. USITC determination to the U.S. Department of Commerce: February 1, 2016.
7. USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: February 8, 2016.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of producers in 2014: Four.[1]
2. Location of producers’ plants: Kentucky, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2014: [2]
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2014: 2
5. Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2014: 2
U.S. Imports:
1. From the subject countries during 2014: 2
2. From other countries during 2014: 2
3. Leading sources during 2014: 2
[1] The most recent full year of data is 2014, and the period of investigation is 2012–September 2015.
[2] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.