Dioctyl Terephthalate (DOTP) From Korea; Determination

On the basis of the record developed in the subject investigation, the United States International Trade Commission (“Commission”) determines, pursuant to the Tariff Act of 1930 (“the Act”), that there is a reasonable indication that an industry in the United States is materially injured by reason of imports of dioctyl terephthalate (“DOTP”) from Korea, provided for in subheading 2917.39.20 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, that are alleged to be sold in the United States at less than fair value (“LTFV”).

Commencement of Final Phase Investigation

Pursuant to section 207.18 of the Commission's rules, the Commission also gives notice of the commencement of the final phase of its investigation. The Commission will issue a final phase notice of scheduling, which will be published in the Federal Register as provided in section 207.21 of the Commission's rules, upon notice from the Department of Commerce (“Commerce”) of an affirmative preliminary determination in the investigation under section 733(b) of the Act, or, if the preliminary determination is negative, upon notice of an affirmative final determination in that investigation under section 735(a) of the Act. Parties that filed entries of appearance in the preliminary phase of the investigation need not enter a separate appearance for the final phase of the investigation. Industrial users, and, if the merchandise under investigation is sold at the retail level, representative consumer organizations have the right to appear as parties in Commission antidumping and countervailing duty investigations. The Secretary will prepare a public service list containing the names and addresses of all persons, or their representatives, who are parties to the investigation.

Background

On June 30, 2016, Eastman Chemical Company, Kingsport, Tennessee filed a petition with the Commission and Commerce, alleging that an industry in the United States is materially injured by reason of LTFV imports of DOTP from Korea. Accordingly, effective June 30, 2016, the Commission, pursuant to section 733(a) of the Act (19 U.S.C. 1673b(a)), instituted antidumping duty investigation No. 731-TA-1330 (Preliminary).

Notice of the institution of the Commission's investigation and of a public conference 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 July 7, 2016 (81 FR 44329). The conference was held in Washington, DC, on July 21, 2016, and all persons who requested the opportunity were permitted to appear in person or by counsel.

The Commission made this determination pursuant to section 733(a) of the Act (19 U.S.C. 1673b(a)). It completed and filed its determination in this investigation on August 15, 2016. The views of the Commission are contained in USITC Publication 4630 (August 2016), entitled Dioctyl Terephthalate (DOTP) from Korea: Investigation No. 731-TA-1330 (Preliminary).