USITC Seeks Comments on Amended Rules Affecting China. The
US International Trade Commission (USITC) has amended its rules of practice
and procedure on an interim basis, effective 22 February 2002. These amendments
are necessary to implement provisions of PL 106-286, which added new
Sections 421 and 422 to the 1974 Trade Act, requiring the USITC to conduct
new types of investigations of market disruption or trade diversion and
reviews of relief actions.
The new Section 421 requires the USITC to (1) investigate whether
Chinese products are imported into the US in quantities, which cause market
disruption; (2) to report on the probable effect that US relief measures
would have; and (3) determine whether action under Section 421 continues
to be necessary. The new Section 422 requires USITC to determine whether
an action described under Section 422(c) has caused significant trade
diversion into the US market. "Action" is defined as action
by: (1) China to prevent or remedy market disruption in a WTO member other
than the US; (2) a WTO member to withdraw concessions under the WTO Agreement
or otherwise limit imports to prevent or remedy market disruption; (3)
a WTO member to apply a provisional safeguard within the meaning of the
product-specific safeguard provision of China's WTO accession protocol;
or (4) any combination of the aforementioned. Comments must be submitted
by 23 April 2002.
USITC Institutes AD Investigation of Chinese Ball Bearings.
Effective 13 February 2002, the USITC commenced the preliminary phase
of AD Investigation 731-TA-925 (Preliminary) to determine whether
a US industry is materially injured or threatened with material injury
by imports from China of ball bearings and parts thereof alleged to be
sold in the US at less than fair value. The subject merchandise is classified
under headings 8482, 8483, 3926, 4016, 6909, 8431, 8708 and 8803 of the
Harmonised Tariff Schedule of the US (HTSUS).
A conference will be held on 6 March 2002. Persons wishing to participate
in the conference must file an entry of appearance by 4 March and written
submissions must be submitted by 11 March 2002.
USITC Revises Chinese ARG Windshield Investigation Schedule.
The USITC has revised the schedule for Investigation 731-TA-922
(Final) relating to automotive replacement glass (ARG) windshields from
China. This action is taken to comply with the applicable statute which
directs the USITC to make its final injury determination within 45 days
after the DOC's final determination, which was published on 12 February
2002. The USITC will make its final release of information on 13 March
2002. Final party comments must be submitted by 15 March 2002.
