February 16, 2018
News Release 18-022
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-579 and 580 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Subsidized Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber from China and India Injures U.S. Industry, Says USITC

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of fine denier polyester staple fiber from China and India that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized by the governments of those countries.

Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Meredith M. Broadbent voted in the affirmative.

As a result of the USITC’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from China and India.

The Commission’s public report Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber from China and India (Investigation  Nos. 701-TA-579-580 (Final), USITC Publication 4765, March 2018) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by March 28, 2018; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.

UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber from China and India
Investigation Nos: 701-TA-579-580 (Final)

Product Description:  Fine denier PSF is a manmade fiber, similar in appearance to cotton or wool. The distinguishing physical characteristics of fine denier polyester staple fiber include the denier count (less than 3 denier) and the length of the fiber. Other variable characteristics of fine denier PSF may be the finish ("luster") applied to the fiber, and the "crimp" of the fiber, which impacts the fiber's tenacity, or strength. Fine denier PSF is used for knit, woven, and nonwoven applications. Knit or woven applications include the production of textiles, such as clothing and bed linens. Nonwoven applications include the production of household and hygiene products such as baby wipes, diapers, or coffee filters.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Final phase countervailing duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  Dak Americas, LLC, Charlotte, NC; Nan Ya Plastics Corporation, America, Lake City, SC; Auriga Polymers Inc., Charlotte, NC.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Wednesday, May 31, 2017.
4.   USITC Hearing Date:  Wednesday, January 17, 2018.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Friday, February 16, 2018.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Wednesday, March 07, 2018.

U.S. Industry in 2016:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  5
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  North Carolina and South Carolina.
3.   Production and related workers:  654.
4.   U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments:  [1]
5.   Apparent U.S. consumption:  1
6.   Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption:  1

U.S. Imports in 2016:

1.   Subject imports:  1
2.   Nonsubject imports:  1
3.   Leading import sources:  China, Germany, India.

 

[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.

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