On July 29, 2022, the Department of Commerce (Commerce) announced its affirmative preliminary determination in the antidumping duty (AD) investigations of steel nails from India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Turkey
Preliminary Determination in the Antidumping Duty Investigations of Lemon Juice from Brazil and South Africa
On July 29, 2022, the Department of Commerce (Commerce) announced its affirmative preliminary determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) investigations of lemon juice from Brazil and South Africa.
Preliminary Dumping Rates
USITC MAKES DETERMINATIONS IN FIVE-YEAR (SUNSET) REVIEWS CONCERNING POLYESTER STAPLE FIBER FROM SOUTH KOREA AND TAIWAN
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty orders on imports of polyester staple fiber from South Korea and Taiwan 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 South Korea and Taiwan 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 Polyester Staple Fiber from South Korea and Taiwan (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-825-826 (Fourth Review), USITC Publication 5341, August 2022) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.
The report will be available by August 23, 2022; 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. Read More→
https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2022/er0726ll1965.htm
SODIUM NITRITE FROM RUSSIA 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 sodium nitrite from Russia that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from Russia.
The Commission’s public report Sodium Nitrite from Russia (Inv. No. 701-TA-680 (Final), USITC Publication 5342, August 2022) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by August 24, 2022; 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
Sodium Nitrite from Russia
Investigation No. 701-TA-680 (Final)
Product Description: Sodium nitrite (NaNO2, CAS registry number 7632-00-0) is an industrial chemical sold in solid or liquid form. Sodium nitrite is used in a wide range of industrial applications, including corrosion inhibition, detinning scrap tinplate, phosphating metals, and organic syntheses, notably the production of organic amines. Additional applications include the production of dyes and synthetic rubber, preservation of cured meat, and control of odor and inhibition of bacterial growth in wastewater treatment. It also serves in heat treating salts to harden metals, as an antidote to cyanide poisoning, and in military applications, including ammunition and explosives. These investigations cover sodium nitrite in any form, at any purity level. Read More→
https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2022/er0727ll1966.htm
USITC LAUNCHES NEW INVESTIGATION ON POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO THE UNITED STATES-KOREA FREE TRADE AGREEMENT RULES OF ORIGIN
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input on a newly initiated investigation concerning a proposed modification to the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) rules of origin.
The investigation, Certain Fabrics of Triacetate Filament Yarns: Effect of Modification to U.S.-Korea FTA Rules of Origin (Inv. No. U.S.-Korea FTA-103-033) was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in a letter received on July 5, 2022. The letter included an attachment detailing the textile and apparel articles affected by the proposed modification.
As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will provide advice on the probable economic effect of the proposed KORUS rules of origin modification on U.S. trade under the KORUS, total U.S. trade, and domestic producers of the affected articles.
The USITC expects to submit its advice to the USTR by November 4, 2022. A public version of the report, with all confidential business information deleted, will be released as soon as possible thereafter.
The USITC is seeking input for its new investigation from all interested parties and requests that the information focus on the articles for which the USITC is requested to provide information and advice. The USITC will not hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation; however, the USITC welcomes written submissions for the record. Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436 and should be submitted at the earliest practical date but no later than 5:15 p.m. on August 26, 2022.
IMPORTANT: All written submissions must be made through the Commission’s Electronic Document Information System (EDIS, https://edis.usitc.gov). No in-person paper-based filings or paper copies of any electronic filings will be accepted until further notice. Persons with questions regarding electronic filing should contact the Office of the Secretary, Docket Services Division (EDIS3Help@USITC.gov), or consult the Commission’s Handbook on Filing Procedures.
Further information on the scope of the investigation is available in the USITC’s notice of investigation, dated July 21, 2022, which can be downloaded from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or may be obtained by contacting the Office of the Secretary at commissionhearings@usitc.gov.
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USITC MAKES DETERMINATIONS IN FIVE-YEAR (SUNSET) REVIEW CONCERNING COLD-ROLLED STEEL FLAT PRODUCTS FROM BRAZIL, CHINA, INDIA, JAPAN, KOREA, AND THE UNITED KINGDOM
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of cold-rolled steel flat products from China, India, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time, and that revoking the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of cold-rolled steel flat products from Brazil would not 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, India, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom will remain in place. As a result of the Commission’s negative determinations, the existing orders on imports of these products from Brazil will be ended.
For the reviews of imports from China, India, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative. For the reviews of imports from Brazil, Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Jason E. Kearns and Amy A. Karpel voted in the negative. Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein and Randolph J. Stayin 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 Cold-Rolled Steel Flat Products from Brazil, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-540-543 and 731-TA-1283-1287 and 1290 (First Review), USITC Publication 5339, August 2022) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.
The report will be available by August 17, 2022; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library. Read More→
https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2022/er0720ll1963.htm
UREA AMMONIUM NITRATE SOLUTIONS FROM RUSSIA AND TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO DO NOT INJURE U.S. INDUSTRY, SAYS USITC
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is not materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of urea ammonium nitrate solutions from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the negative.
As a result of the Commission’s negative determinations, Commerce will not issue countervailing duty orders and antidumping duty orders on imports of this product from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago.
The Commission’s public report Urea Ammonium Nitrate Solutions from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-668-669 and 731-TA-1565-1566 (Final), USITC Publication 5338, August 2022) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by August 22, 2022; 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
Urea Ammonium Nitrate (UAN) Solutions from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago
Investigation Nos: 701-TA-668-669 and 731-TA-1565-1566 (Final)
Product Description:Urea ammonium nitrate solutions (UAN) are a class of nitrogen fertilizers primarily composed of urea, ammonium nitrate, and water. The production of UAN uses natural gas as the primary input to manufacture ammonia, which is subsequently and separately transformed into urea and ammonium nitrate. These two kinds of nitrogen fertilizers are then mixed in roughly equal amounts with water to yield a solution with 28-32 percent nitrogen content. Urea and ammonium nitrate provide crop nutrition at different stages of plant growth. As a liquid, UAN can easily be blended with other fertilizers and pesticides during application. The current popularity of UAN use in its major markets of the United States and Europe is incentivized where transportation, storage, and distribution infrastructure is available. Read More→
https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2022/er0718ll1961.htm
New USDA Database Will Replace Three Import Manuals and the Fruit and Vegetable Imports Requirement (FAVIR) Database
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has developed a new database called “Agricultural Commodity Import Requirements” (ACIR). ACIR gives users a simple search interface for finding and displaying import requirements for agricultural commodities. It will become the official location for import requirements for commodities currently found in the Fruit and Vegetable Import Requirements (FAVIR) database and three import manuals:
Cut Flowers and Greenery Manual
Seeds Not for Planting Manual
Miscellaneous Processed Products Manual
On Sept. 30, 2022, the FAVIR web page will redirect users to the ACIR landing page, and FAVIR will no longer be available on the APHIS website. On October 3, APHIS will remove the three manuals from its public-facing USDA website. The manuals will remain available to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and APHIS staff on an internal website. They will remain there for a transition period extending through the end of the calendar year 2023.
ACIR provides a single source to search for and retrieve entry requirements for imported commodities. ACIR information includes treatment schedules, inspection procedures, and other necessary information to determine admissibility, without the need to access multiple manuals. Users can check ACIR to see if they need to apply for a permit. APHIS’ eFile system for permit, license, and registration applications uses the ACIR import requirement data when processing plant and plant product permit applications.
APHIS’ ACIR benefits include:
A user-friendly search tool for commodity import information
All relevant import requirements for a given commodity presented in one place
Self-service responses to entry requirement questions
APHIS created a series of short, online ACIR video tutorials for importers, brokers, and members of the public to quickly learn how to navigate the simple interface. To ensure a smooth transition, APHIS strongly recommends that users of FAVIR or the three import manuals begin to use ACIR now. ACIR already offers access to all the commodity import requirement information found in the manuals. Read More→
Extension and Amendment of Import Restrictions on Archaeological and Ethnological Material From Cyprus
AGENCY:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security; Department of the Treasury.
ACTION:
Final rule.
SUMMARY:
This document amends the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations to reflect an extension and amendment of import restrictions on Pre-Classical and Classical archaeological objects, and Byzantine and Post-Byzantine ecclesiastical and ritual ethnological materials of the Republic of Cyprus. To fulfill the terms of the new agreement, titled “Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus Concerning the Imposition of Import Restrictions on Categories of Archaeological and Ethnological Material of the Republic of Cyprus”, the Designated List, which was last described in CBP-Dec. 12-13, is amended in this document to reflect additional categories of archaeological material from an extended date range from the end of the Classical Period to A.D. 1770 and additional categories of ethnological material including architectural material, documents and manuscripts, traditional clothing, and emblems of the state. Read More→
APHIS Invites U.S. Stakeholders to Comment on IPPC Standards and Documents
PPQ is pleased to announce that the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) opened consultation on draft standards and specifications beginning July 1, 2022.
The IPPC has made several draft International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs), draft phytosanitary treatments, draft diagnostic protocols and draft specifications available for consultation (review and commenting). APHIS is inviting all interested U.S. stakeholders to participate in this consultation. You can find the list of available drafts, deadlines for commenting, and instructions for submitting comments on the APHIS website.
If you have any questions about IPPC consultation, please email Dr. Marina Zlotina, PPQ’s IPPC Technical Director, at marina.a.zlotina@usda.gov.
We look forward to receiving comments from your industry or organization.
Stay Involved!
U.S. stakeholders are vital to the work of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO). Your input on proposed projects, review of draft standards and documents, and participation in IPPC and NAPPO events ensures we are developing relevant standards that advance U.S. harmonization goals. Standards facilitate the safe trade of plants, plant products and other regulated articles while protecting the environment, harmonize plant protection policies and practices among and between trading partners in North America and internationally, and provide a critical framework for addressing phytosanitary trade issues and negotiating market access requests.
Spread the Word! If you represent a large organization or association, please distribute this message to your membership.
Stay Connected! To receive these updates in your inbox, please subscribe to the APHIS Stakeholder Registry and select the “International Phytosanitary Standards” topic. Read More→
TEXTILES AND APPAREL IMPORT REPORT
July 7, 2022
FROM: CONTACT:
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADMINISTRATION
TEXTILES AND APPAREL IMPORT REPORT
OFFICE OF TEXTILES AND APPAREL WASHINGTON, D.C. 20230
BECKY L GEIGER (202) 482-3117
Do not Release to the Public until July 7, 2022
The Office of Textiles and Apparel reported today that imports of cotton, wool, man-made fiber, silk blends, and non-cotton vegetable fiber textile and apparel products totaled 10,682.8 million square meter equivalents (MSME) in May 2022, an increase of 42.7 percent compared to May 2021. Imports of textiles were 7,909.3 MSME in May 2022, up 51.9 percent from May 2021. Imports of apparel were 2,773.5 MSME in May 2022, up 21.6 percent from May 2021.
Imports of textiles and apparel were 46,955.7 MSME for the year-to-date May 2022, an increase of 44.9 percent from year-to-date May 2021. Imports of textiles were 33,152.9 MSME for the year-to-date May 2022, an increase of 55.1 percent from the year-to-date May 2021. Apparel imports for the year-to-date May 2022 were 13,802.7 MSME, up 25.0 percent from the year-to-date May 2021.
https://otexa.trade.gov/PDFs/Monthly%20Press%20Release/Press%20Release%20May%202022%20Data.pdf
CENSORSHIP-RELATED MEASURES IN CHINA CAUSE SIGNIFICANT ANNUAL REVENUE LOSSES FOR CERTAIN U.S. INDUSTRIES, REPORTS USITC
Foreign censorship and related measures led to significant foregone revenues for U.S. businesses annually and restricted the opportunity of U.S. businesses to provide services to hundreds of millions of users in China, according to a new report by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC or Commission).
The investigation, Foreign Censorship, Part 2: Trade and Economic Effects on U.S. Businesses, was requested by the Senate Committee on Finance (Committee) in a letter received on April 8, 2021. This report is the second of two reports on foreign censorship requested by the Committee.
As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, reported on the impacts to U.S. businesses of foreign censorship in the key markets of China, Russia, Turkey, Vietnam, India, and Indonesia through the application of case studies and a survey. Findings from the report include:
Based on the survey results, businesses providing media and digital services are those most likely to be affected by censorship-related measures in China. Almost a quarter of U.S. media and digital service providers in China that were able to enter the Chinese market, representing more than half of the 2020 global revenue of all U.S. media and digital service providers active in China, experienced censorship-related measures. A significantly higher share of large businesses experienced censorship-related measures in China than small and medium-sized businesses. For U.S. media and digital service providers that experienced censorship:
Almost three-quarters were concerned about negative impacts on their operations in China, including their ability to provide products and services in China. Most also noted that censorship-related measures in China have become more challenging to manage in the past few years.
Almost 40 percent indicated that they had to self-censor to provide their products or services in China.
Over 40 percent experienced increased costs of doing business in China and/or lost revenue in China as a result of censorship-related measures.
Based on the case studies, the Commission estimates that the largest impacts associated with censorship-related measures are the forgone revenues from market access denial to businesses that provide social media platforms, over-the-top communications services, and internet search services, as well as audiovisual content.
Foreign Censorship, Part 2: Trade and Economic Effects on U.S. Businesses (Investigation No. 332-586, USITC Publication 5334, July 2022) is available on the USITC’s website at https://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub5334.pdf. The first report, Foreign Censorship, Part 1: Policies and Practices Affecting U.S. Businesses (Investigation No. 332-585, USITC Publication 5244, December 2021), is available on the USITC’s website at https://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub5244.pdf.
USITC general factfinding investigations, such as this one, cover matters related to tariffs or trade 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 report conveys 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.
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https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2022/er0707ll1958.htm
ACRYLONITRILE-BUTADIENE RUBBER FROM FRANCE, MEXICO, AND SOUTH KOREA, DOES NOT INJURE U.S. INDUSTRY, SAYS USITC
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is not materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber from France, Mexico, and South Korea 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 Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the negative.
As a result of the Commission’s negative determinations, Commerce will not issue antidumping duty orders on imports of this product from France, Mexico, and South Korea.
The Commission’s public report Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber from France, Mexico, and South Korea (Inv. Nos. Inv. No. 731 TA-1567-1569 (Final), USITC Publication 5336, August 2022) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by August 22, 2022; 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
Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber from France, Mexico, and South Korea
Investigation Nos. 731 TA-1567-1569 (Final)
Product Description:
The product covered by these investigations is commonly referred to as acrylonitrile butadiene rubber or nitrile rubber, a synthetic rubber produced by the emulsion polymerization of butadiene and acrylonitrile with or without the incorporation of a third component selected from methacrylic acid or isoprene. Coverage includes the product in solid or non-aqueous liquid form and includes carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber. The product is sold to customers who use it in downstream production of various products. It is most used in applications where a moderate level of heat and oil or fuel resistance is required, such as applications in the industrial hose, automotive, and the oil and gas industries. Downstream product applications include, but are not limited to, hoses, air ducts, oil and gas components, construction insulation, adhesives, mats, wires and cables, and seals for automotive and industrial use.
https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2022/er0711ll1959.htm
USITC MAKES DETERMINATIONS IN FIVE-YEAR (SUNSET) REVIEWS CONCERNING CORROSION-RESISTANT STEEL PRODUCTS FROM CHINA, INDIA, ITALY, SOUTH KOREA, AND TAIWAN
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of corrosion-resistant steel products from China, India, Italy, South Korea, and Taiwan 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, India, Italy, South Korea, and Taiwan 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 Corrosion-Resistant Steel Products from China, India, Italy, South Korea, and Taiwan (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-534-537 and 731-TA-1274-1278 (First Review), USITC Publication 5337, August 2022) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.
The report will be available by August 27, 2022; 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 Corrosion-Resistant Steel Products from China, India, Italy, South Korea, and Taiwan was instituted on June 1, 2021.
On September 7, 2021, 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 for the reviews concerning China, India, Italy, and South Korea, the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group responses were inadequate and voted for full reviews. For the review concerning Taiwan, Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners 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 responses 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.
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https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2022/er0713ll1960.htm
USITC INSTITUTES SECTION 337 INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN UNIVERSAL GOLF CLUB SHAFT AND GOLF CLUB HEAD CONNECTION ADAPTORS, CERTAIN COMPONENTS THEREOF, AND PRODUCTS CONTAINING THE SAME
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain universal golf club shaft and golf club head connection adaptors, certain components thereof, and products 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 Club-Conex, LLC of Scottsdale, AZ on May 19, 2022. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain universal golf club shaft and golf club head connection adaptors, certain components thereof, and products containing the same that infringe patents asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order.
The USITC has identified Top Golf Equipment Co. Limited of Shenzen, GuangDong, China as the respondent this investigation.
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-120x), 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/2022/er0621ll1952.htm
DAVID S. JOHANSON BECOMES CHAIR OF U.S. INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
David S. Johanson today becomes Chair of the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC). He succeeded outgoing Chair Jason E. Kearns, whose term as Chair expired on June 16, 2022. Johanson, the senior Republican on the Commission, became Chair by operation of law in the absence of a Presidential designation.
Johanson was nominated to the USITC by President Barack Obama on April 8, 2011, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on October 31, 2011. He was sworn in as a member of the Commission on December 8, 2011, for the Commission term expiring on December 16, 2018. He served as Chair of the USITC from June 17, 2018, to June 16, 2020, and Vice Chair from August 11, 2016, to June 16, 2018.
Johanson served as International Trade Counsel on the Republican staff of the Committee on Finance of the U.S. Senate from 2003 until his USITC appointment. While on the staff of the Committee on Finance, he was responsible for legislative and policy matters involving negotiations of the World Trade Organization, the Free Trade Area of the Americas, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and numerous free trade agreements. He assisted in the passage of implementing legislation for free trade agreements between the United States and Australia, Bahrain, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Korea, Morocco, Nicaragua, Oman, Panama, Peru, and Singapore. He also worked on legislative matters concerning trade preference programs (the Generalized System of Preferences, the African Growth and Opportunity Act, the Caribbean Basin Initiative, and the Andean Trade Preference Act), Miscellaneous Tariff Bills, Trade Adjustment Assistance, and the trade-related provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill.
Prior to his employment at the Committee on Finance, he practiced international trade law for six years at the law firm of Stewart and Stewart in Washington, D.C. Earlier in his career, he worked for Senator Phil Gramm (R-TX), Representative Wally Herger (R-CA), and Representative George Radanovich (R-CA).
Johanson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanford University, a Master of Philosophy degree from Cambridge University, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Texas School of Law. Chair Johanson is an Eagle Scout. He is originally from Austin, Texas.
The USITC is an independent, nonpartisan, quasi-judicial federal agency that makes determinations in proceedings involving imports claimed to injure a domestic industry or violate U.S. intellectual property rights; provides independent tariff, trade, and competitiveness-related analysis and information to the legislative and executive branches of government; and maintains the U.S. tariff schedule. Commissioners are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for nine year terms, unless they are appointed to fill unexpired terms.
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https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2022/er0617ll1951.htm
Preliminary Determination in the Antidumping Duty Investigation of Emulsion Styrene-Butadiene Rubber from the Czech Republic and Russia
On June 15, 2022, the Department of Commerce (Commerce) announced its affirmative preliminary determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) investigations of emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber from the Czech Republic and Russia
Preliminary Determination in the Countervailing Duty Investigations of Barium Chloride from India
On June 14, 2022, the Department of Commerce (Commerce) announced its affirmative preliminary determination in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigation of barium chloride from India
USDA will Partner with Ukraine to Strengthen Agricultural Collaboration and Fight Global Food Insecurity
NEW YORK, June 16, 2022 – Today during a meeting with U.N. ambassadors and officials at the U.S. Mission to the U.N., United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and The Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine are entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance coordination between the U.S. and Ukrainian agriculture and food sectors and build a strategic partnership to address food security.
“Since February the world has witnessed Russia’s unjustified invasion of Ukraine and the disruption it is causing to agricultural production, trade, and most importantly, food security,” said Secretary Vilsack. “Russia’s actions are posing major threats not only to the people of Ukraine but to countries in Africa and the Middle East that rely on the grains and other staples produced in Ukraine. Russia is using food as a weapon and a tool of war to threaten the livelihoods of those around the world, and that is something the agriculture community cannot and will not stand for.
“Ukraine needs the world’s support and this week I met with Ukrainian Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Mykola Solskyi to express USDA’s commitment to helping rebuild and strengthen Ukraine’s agriculture sector. This MOU will amplify the strategic partnership between our two nations and leverage our collective strength to enhance productivity, address supply chain issues, and identify food security challenges. This is an important step forward and when implemented will allow us to better fight global food insecurity together.”
The MOU will establish a three-year partnership driven by the need to address the economic disruptions in the United States and worldwide due to the Russian war on Ukraine. It is the latest action being taken by the USDA as the Biden-Harris Administration addresses these problems through an all-of-government approach.
Through the MOU, the United States and Ukraine will agree to the consistent exchange of information and expertise regarding crop production, emerging technologies, climate-smart practices, food security, and supply chain issues to boost productivity and enhance both agricultural sectors. USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service will also mobilize its resources to provide Ukraine technical assistance for animal health, biosecurity, and sanitary and phytosanitary controls, and utilize the Borlaug Fellowship Program and re-establish the Cochran Fellowship Program to enhance U.S.– Ukraine collaboration and research as Ukraine rebuilds its agricultural sector.
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STATEMENT: USDA Trade Mission Underway in London
LONDON, United Kingdom, June 21, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Dr. Jewel Bronaugh arrived today in London to launch a USDA agribusiness trade mission to the United Kingdom. Deputy Secretary Bronaugh is joined by a delegation of representatives from U.S. agribusinesses, farm organizations and state departments of agriculture who are interested in exploring export opportunities in this important market.
“I am honored to lead this diverse group of U.S. agribusinesses and representatives to the United Kingdom,” Dr. Bronaugh said. “The United Kingdom is a valued trading partner whose consumers demand the best quality products at a competitive price. I’m excited for mission participants to engage with potential customers for their world-class agricultural products. In 2021, the United Kingdom imported $1.9 billion of U.S. agricultural products and I’m confident this visit will help us continue to exceed expectations and meet the needs of UK consumers for years to come.”
Trade mission participants will engage directly with potential customers, receive in-depth market briefings, and participate in site visits.
Deputy Secretary Bronaugh will hold a media teleconference from London on June 24, at 12 p.m. ET. Credentialed reporters interested in participating should RSVP to press@usda.gov by 1 p.m. ET on June 23, for dial-in instructions.
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https://www.fas.usda.gov/newsroom/statement-usda-trade-mission-underway-london
