Certain Stainless Steel Butt-Weld Pipe Fittings From Germany

Determination

On the basis of the record developed in the subject investigation, the United States International Trade Commission determines, pursuant to section 735(b) of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1673d(b)) (the Act), that imports of the subject merchandise from Germany were negligible for purposes of the Commission's analysis of material injury by reason of imports of certain stainless steel butt-weld pipe fittings from Germany but that there is a potential that such imports will imminently account for more than three percent of total imports. The Commission also determines that an industry in the United States is not threatened with material injury by reason of imports of certain stainless steel butt-weld pipe fittings from Germany, provided for in subheading 7307.23.00 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, that have been found by the Department of Commerce to be sold in the United States at less than fair value (LTFV).

Background

The Commission instituted this investigation effective December 29, 1999, following receipt of a petition filed with the Commission and the Department of Commerce by Alloy Piping Products, Inc., Shreveport, LA; Flowline Division of Markovitz Enterprises, Inc., New Castle, PA; Gerlin, Inc., Carol Stream, IL; and Taylor Forge Stainless, Inc., North Branch, NJ. The final phase of the investigation was scheduled by the Commission following notification of a preliminary determination by the Department of Commerce that imports of certain stainless steel butt-weld pipe fittings from Germany were being sold at LTFV within the meaning of section 733(b) of the Act (19 U.S.C. 1673b(b)). Notice of the scheduling of the Commission's investigation and of a public hearing to be held in connection therewith was given by posting copies of the notice in the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, Washington, DC, and by publishing the notice in the Federal Register of August 23, 2000 (65 FR 51328). The hearing was held in Washington, DC, on October 17, 2000, and all persons who requested the opportunity were permitted to appear in person or by counsel.

The Commission transmitted its determination in this investigation to the Secretary of Commerce on November 29, 2000. The views of the Commission are contained in USITC Publication 3372 (November 2000), entitled Certain Stainless Steel Butt-Weld Pipe Fittings from Germany: Investigation No. 731-TA-864 (Final).