February 29, 2008
News Release 08-018
Inv. No. 731-TA-1143 (P)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

ITC VOTES TO CONTINUE CASE ON SMALL DIAMETER GRAPHITE ELECTRODES FROM CHINA

 The United States International Trade Commission (ITC or Commission) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of small diameter graphite electrodes from China that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.

All six Commissioners voted in the affirmative, with Chairman Daniel R. Pearson and Commissioner Dean A. Pinkert making an affirmative threat determination.

As a result of the Commission's affirmative determination, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its antidumping investigation of imports of small diameter graphite electrodes from China, with its preliminary determination due on or about June 25, 2008.

The Commission's public report Small Diameter Graphite Electrodes from China (Investigation No. 731-TA-1143 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 3985, March 2008) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.

Copies of the report are expected to be available after March 31, 2008, by calling 202-205-2000 or from the Office of the Secretary, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may also be faxed to 202-205-2104.

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Small Diameter Graphite Electrodes From China
Investigations No. 731-TA-1143 (Preliminary)

Product Description: All small diameter graphite electrodes of any length, whether or not finished, of a kind used in furnaces, with a nominal or actual diameter of 400 millimeters (16 inches) or less, and whether or not attached to a graphite pin joining system or any other type of joining system or hardware. Small diameter graphite electrodes are most commonly used in primary melting, ladle metallurgy, and specialty furnace applications in industries including foundries, smelters, and steel refining operations.

Status of Proceedings:

1.        Type of investigation: Preliminary antidumping.
2.        Petitioners: SGL Carbon LLC, Charlotte, NC and Superior Graphite Co., Chicago, IL
3.        Preliminary investigation instituted by the USITC: January 25, 2008.
4.        Commission's conference: February 7, 2008.
5.        USITC vote: February 29, 2008.
6.        USITC determination to the U.S. Department of Commerce: March 3, 2008.
7.        USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: March 10, 2008.


U.S. Industry:

1.        Number of producers in 2006: Two.
2.        Location of producers' plants: North Carolina and Illinois.
3.        Employment of production and related workers in 2006: 1/
4.        Apparent U.S. consumption in 2006: 1/
5.        Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2006: 1/


U.S. Imports:

1.        From China during 2006: $21.8 million.
2.        From other countries during 2006: 1/
3.        Leading sources during 2006: Mexico and China (total value). 1/
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1/ Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.