October 23, 2014
News Release 14-107
Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1229-1230 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin; 202-205-1819

MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE FROM CHINA AND INDONESIA 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 monosodium glutamate from China and Indonesia that the U.S. Department of Commerce has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Chairman Meredith M. Broadbent, Vice Chairman Dean A. Pinkert, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, David S. Johanson, and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein voted in the affirmative. Commissioner F. Scott Kieff did not participate in these investigations.

As a result of the USITC's affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will issue antidumping duty orders on imports of these products from China and Indonesia.

The Commission's public report Monosodium Glutamate from China and Indonesia (Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1229-1230 (Final), USITC Publication 4499, November 2014) will contain the views of the Commissioners and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after November 25, 2014. After that date, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.

Monosodium Glutamate from China and Indonesia
Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1229-1230 (Final)

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 used in comparatively smaller volumes in nonfood products, such as detergents, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. MSG is sold in varying crystal sizes and is highly stable, odorless, and soluble in water.

Status of Proceedings:

1. Type of investigations:  Final antidumping.
2. Petitioner:  Ajinomoto North America Inc., Itasca, IL. 
3. Investigations instituted by USITC:  September 16, 2013.
4. USITC hearing:  September 23, 2014.
5. USITC vote:  October 23, 2014.
6. USITC notification of Department of Commerce:  November 4, 2014.

U.S. Industry:

1. Number of U.S. producers in 2013:  One.
2. Location of producer's plant:  Iowa. 
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2013: 1/           
4. U.S. producer's U.S. shipments in 2013:  1/
5. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2013:  1/
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption in 2013: 1/

U.S. Imports in 2013:

1. From the subject countries during 2013:  $46.3 million.
2. From other countries during 2013:  $4.9 million.
3. Leading sources during 2013: China, Indonesia, and Brazil (in terms of total value).

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1/ withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.