USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN HIGH-STRENGTH ALUMINUM OR ALUMINUM ALLOY-COATED STEEL, AND AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS AND AUTOMOBILES CONTAINING SAME

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain high-strength aluminum or aluminum alloy-coated steel, and automotive products and automobiles 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 ArcelorMittal of Luxembourg on April 17, 2024, and supplemented on April 24 and May 1, 2024. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain high-strength aluminum or aluminum alloy-coated steel, and automotive products and automobiles containing same 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 respondents in this investigation:

  • VinFast Auto Ltd. of Hai Phong City, Vietnam,

  • VinFast Auto, LLC of Los Angeles, CA,

  • VinFast USA Distribution, LLC of Los Angeles, CA,

  • Vingroup USA, LLC of Los Angeles, CA, and

  • VinFast Trading and Production JSC, of Hai Phong City, Vietnam.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA- 1402), 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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https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2024/er0520_65198.htm