USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN HIGH-POTENCY SWEETENERS, PROCESSES FOR MAKING SAME, AND PRODUCTS CONTAINING SAME

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain high-potency sweeteners, processes for making same, 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 Celanese International Corporation of Irving, TX; Celanese (Malta) Company 2 Limited of Qormi, Malta; and Celanese Sales U.S. Ltd. of Irving, TX, on April 8, 2021.  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-potency sweeteners, processes for making same, and products containing same that infringe patents asserted by the complainants.  The complainants request that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders. 

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

Anhui Jinhe Industrial Co., Ltd., of Chuzhou City, Anhui, China;
Jinhe USA LLC of Chicago, IL;
Agridient, Inc. of Farmington Hills, MI;
Apura Ingredients Inc. of Chino, CA;
Crossroad Ingredients of Fairfield, NJ;
Hhoya USA Inc. of New York, NY;
Ingredis US LLC of Plainsboro, NJ;
NiuSource Inc. of Chino, CA;
Prinova US LLC of Hanover Park, IL;
Prosweetz Ingredients Incorporated d/b/a Panasource Ingredients Inc. of Edison, NJ;
Suzhou-Chem Inc. of Wellesley, MA; and
UMC Ingredients, LLC fka JRS International LLC of Lyndhurst, NJ.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1264), 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/2021/er0511ll1767.htm

PRESTRESSED CONCRETE STEEL WIRE STRAND FROM INDONESIA, ITALY, MALAYSIA, SOUTH AFRICA, SPAIN, TUNISIA, AND UKRAINE 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 prestressed concrete steel wire strand from Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, South Africa, Spain, Tunisia, and Ukraine that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping duty orders on imports of this product from Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, South Africa, Spain, Tunisia, and Ukraine.

The Commission also made negative critical circumstances findings with regard to certain imports of this product from Indonesia.  As a result, these imports will not be subject to retroactive antidumping duties.

The Commission’s public report Prestressed Concrete Steel Wire Strand from Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, South Africa, Spain, Tunisia, and Ukraine  (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1505-1507, 1510-1511, 1513, and 1515 (Final), USITC Publication 5196, May 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by June 14, 2021; 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

Prestressed Concrete Steel Wire Strand from Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, South Africa, Spain, Tunisia, and Ukraine
Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1505-1507, 1510-1511, 1513, and 1515 (Final)

Product Description:  The merchandise covered by these investigations is prestressed concrete steel wire strand (PC strand), produced from wire of non-stainless, non-galvanized steel, which is suitable for use in prestressed concrete (both pre-tensioned and post-tensioned) applications. The product definition encompasses covered and uncovered strand and all types, grades, and diameters of PC strand. PC strand is normally sold in the United States in sizes ranging from 0.25 inches to 0.70 inches in diameter.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Final antidumping duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  Insteel Wire Products Company, Mount Airy, NC; Sumiden Wire Products Corporation, Dickson, TN; and, Wire Mesh Corporation, Houston, TX.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Thursday, April 16, 2020.
4.   USITC Hearing Date:  Thursday, December 10, 2020.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Tuesday, May 11, 2021.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Monday, May 24, 2021. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2021/er0511ll1768.htm

USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN TELEVISIONS, REMOTE CONTROLS, AND COMPONENTS THEREOF

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain televisions, remote controls, 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 Roku, Inc., of San Jose, CA, on April 8, 2021 and amended on April 27, 2021.  The complaint, as amended, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain televisions, remote controls, 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:

Universal Electronics, Inc., of Scottsdale, AZ;
Gemstar Technology (Qinzhou) Co. Ltd. of Qinzhou, China;
Gemstar Technology (Yangzhou) Co. Ltd. of Yanzhou, China;
C.G. Development Ltd. of Kowloon, Hong Kong;
Universal Electronics BV of Enschede, Netherlands;
UEI Brasil Controles Remotos Ltda. of Manaus, Brazil;
CG Mexico Remote Controls, S. de R.L. de C.V. of Nuevo Leon, Mexico;
LG Electronics Inc. of Seoul, Republic of Korea;
LG Electronics USA, Inc., of Englewood Cliffs, NJ;
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., of Suwon-si, Republic of Korea;
Samsung Electronics America, Inc., of Ridgefield Park, NJ;
Charter Communications, Inc., of Stamford, CT;
Charter Communications Operating, LLC, of St. Louis, MO;
Spectrum Management Holding Company, LLC, of Stamford, CT;
Altice USA, Inc., of Long Island City, NY;
Cablevision Systems Corp. of Bethpage, NY;
Cequel Communications, LLC d/b/a Suddenlink Communications of Long Island City, NY; and
Wideopenwest, Inc., of Englewood, CO.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1263), 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.

# # #

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2021/er0510ll1766.htm

UNITED STATES REMAINS WORLD'S LARGEST SERVICES EXPORTER AND IMPORTER IN 2019, REPORTS USITC

The United States is the world's largest services market and was the world’s leading exporter and importer of services in 2019, reports the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) in its new publication Recent Trends in U.S. Services Trade, 2021 Annual Report.

The USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, compiles the report annually. Each year's report presents a qualitative and quantitative overview of U.S. trade in services and highlights some of the services sectors and geographic markets that contribute substantially to recent services trade performance.

This year’s report focuses on professional services and includes sections detailing trends in six specific industries: research and development services, legal services, management consulting services, education services, architecture and engineering services, and healthcare services. Each section analyzes global market conditions in the industry and summarizes the industry’s outlook.

The report describes trade in services via cross-border transactions through 2019 and via affiliate sales through 2018 (latest available data). Highlights include:

  • The services sector represents the largest sector of the U.S. economy, and the United States is the world’s top cross-border exporter and importer of services. In 2019, U.S. exports of private services totaled $853.3 billion, whereas imports totaled $564.3 billion.

  • Within the services sector, sales by foreign affiliates of U.S. firms – the leading channel by which many U.S. services are delivered to foreign markets – totaled $1.7 trillion in 2018 while the value of services purchased from foreign-owned affiliates in the United States totaled $1.2 trillion.

  • The professional services sector includes a variety of activities that generally require highly skilled labor and, in many cases, specific licenses or credentials are required to provide the services. Professional services accounted for 34 percent of total cross-border services exports and 25 percent of imports in 2019. They represented 15 percent of total sales by the foreign affiliates of U.S. firms and 15 percent of total purchases from the U.S. affiliates of foreign firms.

  • In recent years, some professional service sectors have changed the way their services are provided, whether by introducing new business models and suppliers or by shifting from providing services in person to providing them online. In particular:

    • legal services - alternative legal service providers (ALSPs), a diverse group of companies including legal process outsourcing firms (LPOs) and the Big Four accounting firms, have outpaced the growth of traditional law firms;

    • management consulting (MC) - an evolving trend towards the digital supply of MC services preceded the COVID-19 pandemic, but COVID-19 travel restrictions have hastened this trend, and MC providers now mostly supply services remotely;

    • education - the volume of university-level foreign students studying in the United States has experienced systemic declines, which were further aggravated by COVID-19 in 2020.

  • For other professional services sectors, changing consumer preferences due to the COVID-19 pandemic have driven recent developments, including:

    • architecture and engineering - COVID-19 has created strong demand for project design in essential business segments, such as hospitals, water management, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, and for pandemic-related redesign services for medical, home, education, and office space;

    • heathcare - the adoption of telemedicine in the United States has accelerated since March 2020, as the share of U.S. consumers who have used telemedicine went up by 35 percent in 2020 from 11 percent in 2019.

The USITC hosted its 14th annual services roundtable, which was held virtually for the first time on October 27, 2020. The discussion, summarized in the report, focused on the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on demand, output, modes of supply, business practices, labor, and productivity in U.S. and global services industries, and the impact of establishing a presence in one or more foreign markets on U.S. services firms’ operations and overall employment in the United States.

Recent Trends in U.S. Services Trade, 2021 Annual Report (Investigation No. 332-345, USITC publication 5129, April 2021) is available on the USITC's Internet site at https://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub5192.pdf.

# # #

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2021/er0503ll1759.htm

UNITED STATES REMAINS WORLD'S LARGEST SERVICES EXPORTER AND IMPORTER IN 2019, REPORTS USITC

he United States is the world's largest services market and was the world’s leading exporter and importer of services in 2019, reports the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) in its new publication Recent Trends in U.S. Services Trade, 2021 Annual Report.

The USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, compiles the report annually. Each year's report presents a qualitative and quantitative overview of U.S. trade in services and highlights some of the services sectors and geographic markets that contribute substantially to recent services trade performance.

This year’s report focuses on professional services and includes sections detailing trends in six specific industries: research and development services, legal services, management consulting services, education services, architecture and engineering services, and healthcare services. Each section analyzes global market conditions in the industry and summarizes the industry’s outlook.

The report describes trade in services via cross-border transactions through 2019 and via affiliate sales through 2018 (latest available data). Highlights include:

  • The services sector represents the largest sector of the U.S. economy, and the United States is the world’s top cross-border exporter and importer of services. In 2019, U.S. exports of private services totaled $853.3 billion, whereas imports totaled $564.3 billion.

  • Within the services sector, sales by foreign affiliates of U.S. firms – the leading channel by which many U.S. services are delivered to foreign markets – totaled $1.7 trillion in 2018 while the value of services purchased from foreign-owned affiliates in the United States totaled $1.2 trillion.

  • The professional services sector includes a variety of activities that generally require highly skilled labor and, in many cases, specific licenses or credentials are required to provide the services. Professional services accounted for 34 percent of total cross-border services exports and 25 percent of imports in 2019. They represented 15 percent of total sales by the foreign affiliates of U.S. firms and 15 percent of total purchases from the U.S. affiliates of foreign firms.

  • In recent years, some professional service sectors have changed the way their services are provided, whether by introducing new business models and suppliers or by shifting from providing services in person to providing them online. In particular:

    • legal services - alternative legal service providers (ALSPs), a diverse group of companies including legal process outsourcing firms (LPOs) and the Big Four accounting firms, have outpaced the growth of traditional law firms;

    • management consulting (MC) - an evolving trend towards the digital supply of MC services preceded the COVID-19 pandemic, but COVID-19 travel restrictions have hastened this trend, and MC providers now mostly supply services remotely;

    • education - the volume of university-level foreign students studying in the United States has experienced systemic declines, which were further aggravated by COVID-19 in 2020.

  • For other professional services sectors, changing consumer preferences due to the COVID-19 pandemic have driven recent developments, including:

    • architecture and engineering - COVID-19 has created strong demand for project design in essential business segments, such as hospitals, water management, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, and for pandemic-related redesign services for medical, home, education, and office space;

    • heathcare - the adoption of telemedicine in the United States has accelerated since March 2020, as the share of U.S. consumers who have used telemedicine went up by 35 percent in 2020 from 11 percent in 2019. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2021/er0503ll1759.htm

MATTRESSES FROM CAMBODIA, CHINA, INDONESIA, MALAYSIA, SERBIA, THAILAND, TURKEY, AND VIETNAM 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 mattresses from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the government of China.

Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping duty orders on imports of this product from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam and a countervailing duty order on imports of this product from China.

The Commission’s public report Mattresses from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-645 and 731-TA-1495-1501 (Final), USITC Publication 5191, May 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by May 24, 2021; 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

Mattresses from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-645 and 731-TA-1495-1501 (Final)

Product Description:  In the industry, the term "mattress" generally means a resilient material or combination of materials generally enclosed by ticking that is intended or promoted for sleeping upon by people. Mattresses generally consist of (1) a core, (2) upholstery material, and (3) ticking. The core provides the main support system of the mattress. The core may consist of innersprings, non‐innerspring materials (e.g., foam), other resilient filling, or a combination of these materials. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2021/er0421ll1758.htm

USDA TO LAUNCH NEW ELECTRONIC TRADE CERTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR DAIRY

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will launch the Agriculture Trade Licensing & Attestation Solution (ATLAS) on May 6, 2021. ATLAS is the first phase of an improved electronic trade certification system (eTDE) for use by the dairy industry. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is leading the modernization of eTDE, which is the current electronic certification system, to streamline agriculture trade activities and improve the customer experience. ATLAS is a single enterprise-wide portal that allows the secure exchange of trade data and documents needed for shipments to worldwide ports from marketing through delivery for the dairy industry. ATLAS is part of USDA’s information technology modernization strategy, which includes measures to improve customers’ digital experience and modernize applications.

Once ATLAS is launched, dairy exporters will be able to use the portal to request and receive export certificate documents needed to engage in global trade. ATLAS will provide customers increased transparency throughout the certificate process and will improve their ability to request and update export certificate requests, communicate with USDA staff about specific certificates, and review certificate billing information.

USDA will hold training webinars to explain to dairy stakeholders how to use the system on April 29 and May 4, 2021. An introductory video and information on how to attend the webinars will be posted on the ATLAS web page. Additional training materials, including short “how-to” videos and a user manual, will also be posted online before the May 6 launch.

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https://www.ams.usda.gov/content/usda-launch-new-electronic-trade-certification-system-dairy

Notification of Temporary Travel Restrictions Applicable to Land Ports of Entry and Ferries Service Between the United States and Canada

AGENCY:

Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

ACTION:

Notification of continuation of temporary travel restrictions.

SUMMARY:

This document announces the decision of the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to continue to temporarily limit the travel of individuals from Canada into the United States at land ports of entry along the United States-Canada border. Such travel will be limited to “essential travel,” as further defined in this document.

DATES:

These restrictions go into effect at 12 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on April 22, 2021 and will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. EDT on May 21, 2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Stephanie Watson, Office of Field Operations Coronavirus Coordination Cell, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at 202-325-0840.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

On March 24, 2020, DHS published notice of its decision to temporarily limit the travel of individuals from Canada into the United States at land ports of entry along the United States-Canada border to “essential travel,” as further defined in that document.[1] The document described the developing circumstances regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and stated that, given the outbreak and continued transmission and spread of the virus associated with COVID-19 within the United States and globally, DHS had determined that the risk of continued transmission and spread of the virus associated with COVID-19 between the United States and Canada posed a “specific threat to human life or national interests.” DHS later published a series of notifications continuing such limitations on travel until 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 21, 2021.[2]

DHS continues to monitor and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of the week of April 12, 2021, there have been over 135 million confirmed cases globally, with over 2.9 million confirmed deaths.[3]There have been over 31 million confirmed and probable cases within the United States,[4]over one million confirmed cases in Canada,[5]and over 2.2 million confirmed cases in Mexico.[6]

Notice of Action

Given the outbreak and continued transmission and spread of COVID-19 within the United States and globally, the Secretary has determined that the risk of continued transmission and spread of the virus associated with COVID-19 between the United States and Canada poses an ongoing “specific threat to human life or national interests.” Read More→

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/04/22/2021-08484/notification-of-temporary-travel-restrictions-applicable-to-land-ports-of-entry-and-ferries-service

SUBSIDIZED CHASSIS AND SUBASSEMBLIES FROM CHINA 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 chassis and subassemblies that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized by the government of China.

Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determination, Commerce will issue a countervailing duty order on imports of this product from China.

The Commission’s public report Chassis and Subassemblies from China (Inv. No. 701-TA-657 (Final), USITC Publication 5187, May 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.

The report will be available by May 27, 2021; 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

Chassis and Subassemblies from China
Investigation No. 701-TA-657 (Final)

Product Description:  Chassis are skeletal rectangular framed trailers used to transport shipping containers. The rectangular frame is made up of steel with a suspension and axle system, wheels and tires, brakes, a lighting and electrical system, a coupling for towing behind a truck tractor, and a locking system or systems to secure the shipping container or containers attached to the chassis. Chassis are designed to carry containers of various sizes (usually ranging from 20-feet to 53-feet in the United States).

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Final countervailing duty investigation.
2.   Petitioners:  Coalition of American Chassis Manufacturers (Cheetah Chassis Corporation, Fairless Hills, PA; Hercules Enterprises LLC, Hillsborough, NJ; Pitts Enterprises, Inc., Pittsview, AL; Pratt Industries, Inc., Bridgman, MI; Stoughton Trailers, Stoughton, WI).
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Thursday, July 30, 2020.
4.   USITC Hearing Date:  Tuesday, March 16, 2021.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Tuesday, April 13, 2021.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Thursday, May 6, 2021. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2021/er0413ll1753.htm

2021/2022 Rates Charged for AMS Services

AGENCY:

Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing the 2021/2022 rates it will charge for voluntary grading, inspection, certification, auditing, and laboratory services for a variety of agricultural commodities including meat and poultry, fruits and vegetables, eggs, dairy products, rice, and cotton and tobacco. The 2021/2022 regular, overtime, holiday, and laboratory services rates will be applied at the beginning of the crop year, fiscal year or as required by law depending on the commodity. Other starting dates are added to this notice based on cotton industry practices. This action establishes the rates for user-funded programs based on costs incurred by AMS. This year, nearly two-thirds of AMS user fee rates will remain unchanged from the previous year and a few will decrease, but increases are necessary to many fees to cover costs.

DATES:

April 21, 2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Charles Parrott, AMS, USDA, Room 2063A-S, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250; telephone (202) 260-9144, fax (202) 692-0313, or email charles.parrott@usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended (AMA)(7 U.S.C. 1621-1627), provides for the collection of fees to cover costs of various inspection, grading, certification, or auditing services covering many agricultural commodities and products. The AMA also provides for the recovery of costs incurred in providing laboratory services. The Cotton Statistics and Estimates Act (7 U.S.C. 471-476) and the U.S. Cotton Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 51-65) provide for classification of cotton and development of cotton standards materials necessary for cotton classification. The Cotton Futures Act (7 U.S.C. 15b) provides for futures certification services, and the Tobacco Inspection Act (7 U.S.C. 511-511s) provides for tobacco inspection and grading. These Acts also provide for the recovery of costs associated with these services. Read More→

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/04/20/2021-08069/20212022-rates-charged-for-ams-services

MATTRESSES FROM CAMBODIA, CHINA, INDONESIA, MALAYSIA, SERBIA, THAILAND, TURKEY, AND VIETNAM 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 mattresses from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the government of China.

Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping duty orders on imports of this product from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam and a countervailing duty order on imports of this product from China.

The Commission’s public report Mattresses from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-645 and 731-TA-1495-1501 (Final), USITC Publication 5191, May 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by May 24, 2021; 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

Mattresses from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-645 and 731-TA-1495-1501 (Final)

Product Description:  In the industry, the term "mattress" generally means a resilient material or combination of materials generally enclosed by ticking that is intended or promoted for sleeping upon by people. Mattresses generally consist of (1) a core, (2) upholstery material, and (3) ticking. The core provides the main support system of the mattress. The core may consist of innersprings, non‐innerspring materials (e.g., foam), other resilient filling, or a combination of these materials.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Final countervailing duty and antidumping duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  Brooklyn Bedding, Phoenix, AZ; Corsicana Mattress Co., Dallas, TX; Elite Comfort Solutions, Newnan, GA; FXI, Inc., Media, PA; Innocor, Inc., Media, PA; Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc., Chicago, IL; Leggett & Platt, Inc., Carthage, MO; the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Washington, DC; and United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union, AFL‐CIO, Washington, DC.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
4.   USITC Hearing Date:  Thursday, March 18, 2021.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Wednesday, April 21, 2021.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Monday, May 10, 2021. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2021/er0421ll1758.htm

DHS Announces Operation to Target Criminal Smuggling Organizations

Release Date:

April 27, 2021

WASHINGTON — Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced a new counter-network targeting operation focused on transnational criminal organizations affiliated with the smuggling of migrants. 

“Transnational criminal organizations put profit over human life, with devastating consequences,” said Secretary Mayorkas.  “With the help of our federal and foreign partners, we aim to cut off access to that profit by denying these criminals the ability to engage in travel, trade, and finance in the United States. We intend to disrupt every facet of the logistical network that these organizations use to succeed.” 

The new anti-smuggling effort, called Operation Sentinel, is a collaborative effort with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the U.S. Department of State, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration of the U.S. Department of Justice. 

“Smuggling operations continue to lie and exploit vulnerable populations to promote their criminal enterprise – the health and safety of migrants does not influence their lucrative ambition,” said CBP Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner Troy Miller.  “This operation is designed to disrupt every facet of the logistical network of these criminal organizations.  Our goal is to enhance the security of the U.S. border and help save the lives of those who are preyed upon by these unscrupulous criminals.” 

“ICE agents combat cross-border criminal activity every day to ensure the overall safety, security and well-being of our nation,” said Acting ICE Director Tae D. Johnson. “Collaborating on this endeavor with our partners amplifies our ability to disrupt and dismantle these criminal organizations that exploit and dehumanize people.” 

"We are proud to be part of this effort to stop transnational criminal organizations and their networks from smuggling human beings across our borders," said Acting Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Ian Brownlee. 

Partners in Operation Sentinel will target all personnel and identifiable resources that transnational criminal organizations require to operate.  Utilizing the full breadth of domestic and foreign authorities, data, analytic capability and capacity, Operation Sentinel will map the organizations’ networks; target their members, associates, and assets; and employ a series of targeted actions and sanctions against them.  Examples of these actions include: 

  • Revocation of travel documents

  • Suspension and debarment of trade entities

  • Freezing of bank accounts and other financial assets tied to TCO logistical networks.

Transnational criminal organizations pose significant dangers to migrants as they not only seek to profit from their exploitation but also have little regard for their wellbeing, exposing them to violent encounters, injury, and death.  These organizations are complicit in sexual assaults, human trafficking, and abandonment of vulnerable migrants – including tender-aged children. In Fiscal Year 2020, Border Patrol located 250 migrants who died during their journey.

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https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/dhs-announces-operation-target-criminal-smuggling-organizations

MATTRESSES FROM CAMBODIA, CHINA, INDONESIA, MALAYSIA, SERBIA, THAILAND, TURKEY, AND VIETNAM 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 mattresses from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the government of China.

Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping duty orders on imports of this product from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam and a countervailing duty order on imports of this product from China.

The Commission’s public report Mattresses from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-645 and 731-TA-1495-1501 (Final), USITC Publication 5191, May 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by May 24, 2021; 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

Mattresses from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-645 and 731-TA-1495-1501 (Final)

Product Description:  In the industry, the term "mattress" generally means a resilient material or combination of materials generally enclosed by ticking that is intended or promoted for sleeping upon by people. Mattresses generally consist of (1) a core, (2) upholstery material, and (3) ticking. The core provides the main support system of the mattress. The core may consist of innersprings, non‐innerspring materials (e.g., foam), other resilient filling, or a combination of these materials. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2021/er0421ll1758.htm

USITC MAKES DETERMINATIONS IN FIVE-YEAR (SUNSET) REVIEWS CONCERNING BOLTLESS SHELVING UNITS FROM CHINA

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of boltless steel shelving units 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 determinations, the existing orders on imports of this product from China will remain in place. 

Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, 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 Boltless Steel Shelving Units from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-523 and 731-TA-1259 (Review), USITC Publication 5190, April 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.

The report will be available by May 20, 2021; 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 Boltless Steel Shelving Units from China were instituted on September 1, 2020.

On December 7, 2020, the Commission voted to conduct expedited reviews. Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for expedited 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.

# # #

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2021/er0420ll1757.htm

NON-REFILLABLE STEEL CYLINDERS FROM CHINA 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 non-refillable steel cylinders from China that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from China.

The Commission’s public report Non-Refillable Steel Cylinders from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-644 and 731-TA-1494 (Final), USITC Publication 5188, May 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by May 26, 2021; 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

Non-Refillable Steel Cylinders from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-644 and 731-TA-1494 (Final)

Product Description:  The non-refillable steel cylinders covered by these investigations are seamed (welded or brazed) and are produced to meet the requirements of U.S. Department of Transportation Specification 39, TransportCanada Specification 39M, or United Nations pressure receptacle standard ISO 11118. The subject non-refillable steel cylinders are portable and range from 300-cubic inch (4.9 liter) water capacity to 1,526-cubic inch (25 liter) water capacity. The subject non-refillable steel cylinders may be imported with or without a valve and/or pressure-release device but are unfilled at the time of importation. Specifically excluded are seamless non-refillable steel cylinders.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigations:  Final antidumping and countervailing duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  Worthington Industries Inc., Columbus, OH.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Friday, March 27, 2020.
4.   USITC Hearing Date:  Thursday, March 11, 2021.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Friday, April 16, 2021.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Wednesday, May 5, 2021.

U.S. Industry in 2019:

1.   Number of U.S. producers: One.
2.   Location of producers’ plants: Kentucky and Ohio.
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 2019:

1.   Subject imports:  $35.3 million.
2.   Nonsubject imports:  1.
3.   Leading import source:  China.

[1] Withheld to avoid revealing business proprietary information.

# # #

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2021/er0416ll1755.htm

SMALL VERTICAL SHAFT ENGINES FROM CHINA 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 small vertical shaft engines from China that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from China.

The Commission also made affirmative critical circumstances findings in the antidumping and countervailing duty investigations.  As a result, certain imports from China will be subject to countervailing and antidumping duties retroactive 90 days from the dates of Commerce’s preliminary countervailing and antidumping duty determinations, respectively.

The Commission’s public report Small Vertical Shaft Engines from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-643 and 731-TA-1493 (Final), USITC Publication 5185, April 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by May 10, 2021; 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

Small Vertical Shaft Engines (SVSEs) from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-643 and 731-TA-1493 (Final)

Product Description:  Small vertical shaft engines are spark-ignited, non-road, vertical shaft engines, whether finished or unfinished, whether assembled or unassembled, whether mounted or unmounted, primarily for walk-behind lawn mowers. Engines meeting this physical description may also be for other non-hand-held outdoor power equipment, including but not limited to, pressure washers. The subject engines are spark ignition, single-cylinder, air cooled, internal combustion engines with vertical power take off shafts with a minimum displacement of 99 cubic centimeters (“cc”) and a maximum displacement of up to, but not including, 225cc. Typically, engines with displacements of this size generate gross power of between 1.95 kilowatts (kw) to 4.75 kw. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2021/er0406ll1748.htm

USITC INSTITUTES TWO SEPARATE SECTION 337 INVESTIGATIONS OF CERTAIN TONER SUPPLY CONTAINERS AND COMPONENTS THEREOF

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute two separate investigations of certain toner supply containers and components thereof.  The products at issue in the investigations are described in the Commission’s notices of investigation (337-TA-1259; 337-TA-1260).

The investigations are based on a complaint filed by Canon Inc. of Tokyo, Japan; Canon U.S.A., Inc., of Melville, NY; and Canon Virginia, Inc., of Newport News, VA, on March 8, 2021.  A supplement to the Complaint was filed on March 26, 2021.  The complaint, as supplemented, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain toner supply containers and components thereof that infringe 13 patents asserted by the complainants.  The complainants request that the USITC issue a general exclusion order, or in the alternative a limited exclusion order, and cease and desist orders. 

The USITC has identified the following as respondents in one or both of these investigations:

Ninestar Corporation of Zhuhai Guangdong, China;
Ninestar Image Tech Limited of Zhuhai Guangdong, China;
Ninestar Technology Company, Ltd., of Chino, CA;
Static Control Components, Inc., of Sanford, NC;
General Plastic Industrial Co. Ltd. of Taichung, Taiwan;
Katun Corporation of Minneapolis, MN;
Sichuan XingDian Technology Co., Ltd., of Chendu, Sichuan, China;
Sichuan Wiztoner Technology Co., Ltd., of Chengdu, Sichuan, China;
Anhuiyatengshangmaoyouxiangongsi of Ganyuqu, China;
ChengDuXiangChangNanShiYouSheBeiYouXianGongSi of SiChuanSheng, China;
Copier Repair Specialists, Inc., of Lewisville, TX;
Digital Marketing Corporation d/b/a Digital Buyer Marketing Company of Los Angeles, CA;
Do It Wiser LLC d/b/a Image Toner of Wilmington, DE;
Easy Group, LLC, of Irwindale, CA;
Hefeierlandianzishangwuyouxiangongsi of Chengdushi, China;
Ink Technologies Printer Supplies, LLC, of Dayton, OH;
Kuhlmann Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a Precision Roller of Phoenix, AZ;
LD Products, Inc., of Long Beach, CA;
NAR Cartridges of Burlingame, CA;
Shenzhenshi Keluodeng Kejiyouxiangognsi of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China;
Sun Data Supply, Inc., of Los Angeles, CA;
The Supplies Guys, Inc., of Lancaster, PA;
MITOCOLOR INC. of Rowland Heights, CA;
Xianshi yanliangqu canqiubaihuodianshanghang of Xianshi, Shanxisheng, China;
Zhuhai Henyun Image Co., Ltd., of Zhuhai, China; and
Zinyaw LLC d/b/a TonerPirate.com and Supply District of Houston, TX.

By instituting these investigations (337-TA-1259 and 337-TA-1260), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the cases.  The USITC’s Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign each case to one of the USITC’s administrative law judges (ALJs), who will schedule and hold evidentiary hearings.  The ALJs will make initial determinations as to whether there is a violation of section 337; those initial determinations are subject to review by the Commission.

The USITC will make final determinations in the investigations at the earliest practicable time.  Within 45 days after institution of the investigations, the USITC will set target dates for completing the investigations.  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/2021/er0408ll1749.htm

APHIS Updates Import Requirements for Carnations from Kenya

WASHINGTON, April 6, 2021 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has updated the USDA Plants for Planting Manual to allow the importation of carnation cuttings from Kenya without post-entry quarantine requirements.

APHIS scientists completed a Commodity Import Evaluation Document (CIED) in response to a request from the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of Kenya. Careful examination determined that the carnation cuttings would pose no additional risk of pest introduction into the United States and could be safely imported without the post-entry quarantine requirement if certain conditions are met. The import conditions include requirements for registering places where the carnation cuttings will be produced with the NPPO of Kenya.  Those places would have strict requirements for safeguarding the sites with well-maintained insect-proof screening and other pest risk mitigation measures. Cuttings would need to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration attesting that the plants were produced in a production site registered with the NPPO of Kenya and were grown under conditions specified by APHIS.

In addition to scientific analysis, APHIS solicited public comments during a 60-day comment period that ended July 2019. Comments and concerns were addressed in the final notice.

For full information about this change, access the USDA Plants for Planting Manual at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/plants_for_planting.pdf. The notice, supporting documents, and the comments received can be viewed at http://www.regulations.gov. Enter APHIS-2018-0068 in the Search field.

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/federal-register-posts/kenya-carnations

SILICON METAL FROM BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA, ICELAND, AND KAZAKHSTAN 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 silicon metal from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the government of Kazakhstan.

Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue a countervailing duty order on imports of this product from Kazakhstan and antidumping duty orders on imports of this product from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland.

The Commission also made a negative critical circumstances finding with regard to imports of this product from Iceland.  As a result, these imports will not be subject to retroactive antidumping duties.

The Commission’s public report Silicon Metal from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, and Kazakhstan (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-652 and 731-TA-1524-1525 (Final), USITC Publication 5180, April 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by April 27, 2021; 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

Silicon Metal from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, and Kazakhstan
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-652 and 731-TA-1524-1525 (Final)

Product Description:  Silicon metal of all forms and sizes, including silicon powder, containing at least 85.00 percent but less than 99.99 percent silicon and less than 4.00 percent iron by actual weight. Specifically excluded is semiconductor grade silicon (containing at least 99.99 percent silicon by actual weight and classifiable under Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) subheading 2804.61.00). Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2021/er0324ll1744.htm

TWIST TIES FROM CHINA 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 twist ties from China that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.  Chair Jason E. Kearns and Commissioner David S. Johanson voted in the negative.

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from China.

The Commission’s public report Twist Ties from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-649 and 731-TA-1523 (Final), USITC Publication 5179, April 2021) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.

The report will be available by April 23, 2021; 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

Twist Ties from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-649 and 731-TA-1523 (Final)

Product Description:  The merchandise covered by these investigations consist of twist ties, which are thin, bendable ties for closing containers, such as bags, bundle items, or identifying objects. The product in most circumstances is comprised of one or more metal wires encased in a covering material, which allows the tie to retain its shape and bind against itself. It is possible to make a twist tie with plastic and no metal wires. The metal wire that is generally used in a twist tie is stainless or galvanized steel and typically measures between the gauges of 19 (.0410" diameter) and 31 (.0132") (American Standard Wire Gauge). Included are all-plastic twist ties containing a plastic core as well as a plastic covering (the wing) over the core, like paper and/or plastic in a metal tie. An all-plastic twist tie (without metal wire) has the same measurements as a twist tie containing one or more metal wires. Twist ties are commonly available individually in pre-cut lengths ("singles"), wound in large spools to be cut later by machine or hand, or in perforated sheets of spooled or single twist ties that are later slit by machine or by hand ("gangs"). The covering material of a twist tie may be paper (metallic or plain) or plastic and can be dyed in a variety of colors with or without printing. The product may have the same covering material on both sides or one side of paper and one side of plastic. When comprised of two sides of paper, the paper material is bound together with an adhesive or plastic. A twist tie may also have a tag or label attached to it or a pre-applied adhesive attached. Excluded from these investigations are twist ties packaged with bags for sale together where the quantity of twist ties does not exceed twice the number of bags in each package. Also excluded are twists ties that constitute part of the packaging of the imported product, for example, merchandise anchored/secured to a backing with twist ties in the retail package or a bag of bread that is closed with a twist tie. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2021/er0323ll1743.htm