November 13, 2009
News Release 09-095
Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1174-1175 (P)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) 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 seamless refined copper pipe and tube from China and Mexico that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Commissioners Charlotte R. Lane, Irving A. Williamson, and Dean A. Pinkert made affirmative determinations. Chairman Shara L. Aranoff, Vice Chairman Daniel R. Pearson, and Commissioner Deanna Tanner Okun made affirmative determinations on the basis of threat.

As a result of the Commission's affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its antidumping duty investigations on imports of this product from China and Mexico, with its preliminary determinations due on or about March 9, 2010.

The Commission's public report Seamless Refined Copper Pipe and Tube from China and Mexico (Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1174-1175 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4116, 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 14, 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: Seamless circular refined (SRC) copper pipes and tubes of length greater than or equal to 6 inches and of actual outside diameter (OD) less than 12.130 inches; and regardless of wall thickness, inner surface, manufacturing process, outer surface, end finish, coating, insulation, attachments, or physical configuration. Also included are redraw hollows and sets of covered products, including "line sets" of SRC tubes, with or without fittings or insulation, suitable for connecting an outdoor air conditioner or heat pump to an indoor evaporator unit. Excluded are all seamless circular hollows of refined copper less than 12 inches in length whose OD (actual) exceeds its length.

Status of Proceedings:
1.  Type of investigations:  Preliminary antidumping.
2.  Petitioners:  Cerro Flow Products Inc., St. Louis, MO; Kobe Wieland Copper Products LLC,
         Pine Hall, NC; Mueller Copper Tube Products Inc. and Mueller Copper Tube Company Inc.,
         Memphis, TN.
3.  Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC:  September 30, 2009.
4.  Commission's conference:  October 21, 2009.
5.  USITC vote:  November 13, 2009.
6.  USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce:  November 16, 2009.
7.  USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce:  November 23, 2009.

U.S. Industry:
1.  Number of producers in 2008:  12.
2.  Location of producers' plants:  Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri,
         New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
3.  Employment of production and related workers in 2008:  3,166.
4.  Apparent U.S. consumption in 2008:  867.8 million pounds.
5.  Ratio of quantities of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2008:  28.5 percent.

U.S. Imports:
1.  From the subject countries during 2008:  $728.2 million.
2.  From other countries during 2008:  $268.2 million.
3.  Leading source during 2008:  China, Mexico, Canada, and Malaysia (in terms of total value).