November 6, 2009
News Release 09-092
Inv. Nos. 701-TA-472 and 731-TA-1171-1172 (P)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) today determined that there is not a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of certain standard steel fasteners from China that are allegedly subsidized and from China and Taiwan that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.

All six Commissioners voted in the negative.

As a result of the Commission's negative determinations, the investigations will end.

The Commission's public report Certain Standard Steel Fasteners from China and Taiwan (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-472 and 731-TA-1171-1172 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4109, November 2009) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

Copies of the report are expected to be available after December 8, 2009, by emailing pubrequest@usitc.gov, calling 202-205-2000, or writing to the Office of the Secretary, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may also be faxed to 202-205-2104.

Product Description: The merchandise covered by the investigations consists of certain standard nuts, standard bolts, and standard cap screws, of steel other than stainless steel. Standard nuts, standard bolts, and standard cap screws covered by the investigations may have a variety of finishes, including but not limited to coating in paint, phosphates, and zinc. Standard bolts and standard cap screws covered by the investigations have a shank or thread with an actual and/or nominal diameter between 6 millimeters and 32 millimeters (inclusive). Standard bolts and standard cap screws covered by the investigations have a circular or hexagonal head, the surface of which may be flat or rounded (also known as "dome-shaped" or "button-headed"). Standard nuts are covered by the investigations if they are suitable for attachment to bolts and/or cap screws covered by the investigations.

Status of Proceedings:

1.  Type of investigations: Preliminary countervailing duty and preliminary antidumping.
2.  Petitioner:  Nucor Fastener Division, St. Joe, IN.
3.  Investigations instituted by USITC:  September 23, 2009.
4.  USITC staff conference:  October 14, 2009. 
5.  USITC vote:  November 6, 2009.
6.  USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce:  November 9, 2009.
7.  USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce:  November 17, 2009.


U.S. Industry:

1.  Number of producers in 2008:  Nine.
2.  Location of producers' plants:  Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and
        Wisconsin.
3.  Employment of production and related workers in 2008:  468. 
4.  Apparent U.S. consumption in 2008:  $674 million.
5.  Ratio of the value of total U.S. shipments of imports to total U.S. consumption 
        in 2008:  72.9 percent.


U.S. Imports:

1.  From the subject countries during 2008:  $261 million.
2.  From other countries during 2008:  $180 million.
3.  Leading source during 2008:  Taiwan.