December 29, 2014
News Release 14-131
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-526-527 and 731-TA-1262-1263 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Votes to Continue Cases on Melamine from China and Trinidad and Tobago

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 melamine from China and Trinidad and Tobago 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 these products from China and Trinidad and Tobago, with its preliminary countervailing duty determinations due on or about February 5, 2015, and its antidumping duty determinations due on or about April 21, 2015.

The Commission’s public report Melamine from China and Trinidad and Tobago (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-525-527 and 731-TA-1262-1263 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4514, January 2015) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after January 27, 2015. After that date, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.

Product Description: Melamine is a white crystalline powder with chemical formula C3H6N6 and Chemical Abstracts Service ("CAS") registry number 108-78-1. The primary use for melamine is the production of melamine-formaldehyde resins. These resins are used in the production of laminates, surface coatings, adhesives, molding compounds, paper treatments, and other applications.

Status of Proceedings:

  1. Type of investigations: Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty.
  2. Petitioner: Cornerstone Chemical Company, Waggaman, LA.
  3. USITC conference: December 3, 2014.
  4. USITC vote: December 29, 2014.
  5. USITC determinations: December 30, 2014.
  6. USITC views: January 7, 2015.

U.S. Industry:

  1. Number of producers in 2013: One.
  2. Location of producer's plant: Louisiana.
  3. Employment of production and related workers in 2013: (1).
  4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2013: (1).
  5. Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2013: (1).

U.S. Imports:

  1. From the subject countries during 2013: $34.1 million.
  2. From other countries during 2013: $23.2 million.
  3. Leading sources during 2013: Trinidad and Tobago, China, the Netherlands, and Germany (in terms of total value).

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

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