April 9, 2019
News Release 19-030
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1410
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Rubber Bands from Thailand Injure U.S. Industry, Says USITC

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of rubber bands from Thailand that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, Meredith M. Broadbent, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns 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 Thailand. 

The Commission’s public report Rubber Bands from Thailand (Inv. No. 731-TA-1410 (Final), USITC Publication 4887, April 2019) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.

The report will be available by May 13, 2019; 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

Rubber Bands from Thailand
Investigation No. 731-TA-1410 (Final)

Product Description:  Rubber bands are flexible circular bands produced from hollow cylindrical tubes of vulcanized natural and synthetic rubber, mineral additives, dyes and pigments. Scope band lengths range 1/2 inch to 10 inches, circular band flattened on its side, and a width from about 1/16 inch to 2 inches; wall thickness up to 0.125 inches. The physical properties of rubber bands' superior elasticity, stretch strength, grip, and tear resistance, make it ideal for binding items together. Major rubber band consumer and industrial end use applications include stationery (office), industrial packaging (manufacturing), agricultural and aquaculture (produce and shellfish), retail, government and post office, advertising specialty and newspapers.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Final phase antidumping duty investigation.
2.   Petitioners:  Alliance Rubber Company, Hot Springs, Arkansas.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Tuesday, January 30, 2018.
4.   USITC Hearing Date:  Tuesday, November 13, 2018.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Tuesday, April 9, 2019.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Monday, April 22, 2019.

U.S. Industry in 2017:

1.   Number of U.S. producer(s):  1.
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  Arkansas and California.
3.   Production and related workers:  [1]
4.   U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments:  1
5.   Apparent U.S. consumption:  1
6.   Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption:  1

U.S. Imports in 2017:

1.   Subject imports:  1
2.   Nonsubject imports:  1
3.   Leading import sources:  Thailand and China.

 

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

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