November 15, 2013
News Release 13-116
Inv. Nos. 701-TA-503-504 and 731-TA-1229-1230 (P)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of monosodium glutamate from China and Indonesia that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.

All six Commissioners voted in the affirmative.

As a result of the Commission's affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its investigations on imports of this product, with its preliminary countervailing duty determinations due on or about December 27, 2013, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations concerning China and Indonesia due on or about March 12, 2014.

The Commission's public report Monosodium Glutamate from China and Indonesia (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-503-504 and 731-TA-1229-1230 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4437, November 2013) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

Copies of the report are expected to be available after December 16, 2013, 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: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a white crystalline substance used by itself or in blends worldwide primarily as a flavor enhancer in savory foods, such as meat and fish, soups and broths, certain juices and beverages, frozen and ready-made foods, and sauces and dressings. It is sold in varying crystal sizes and is highly stable, odorless, and soluble in water. MSG is used in comparatively smaller volumes in nonfood products, such as detergents, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Status of Proceedings:

1. Type of investigations:  Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioner: Ajinomoto North America Inc., Itasca, IL. 
3. Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC: September 16, 2013.
4. Commission's conference: October 23, 2013.
5. USITC vote: November 15, 2013.
6. USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce: November 18, 2013.
7. USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: November 25, 2013.


U.S. Industry:

1. Number of producers in 2012: One.
2. Location of producer's plant:  Iowa.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2012: (1)
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2012: (1)
5. Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2012: (1)


U.S. Imports:

1. From the subject countries during 2012:  $49.3 million.
2. From other countries during 2012:  $11.4 million.
3. Leading sources during 2012: China, Brazil, Indonesia, and France (in terms of total value).

(1) Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.