US ITC sets final hearing on rubber bands from China, Thailand

The International Trade Commission has issued the schedule for the final phase of its countervailing and antidumping duty investigations of rubber bands imported from China and Thailand.

Hot Springs, Ark.-based Alliance Rubber Co. filed petitions with the ITC in January 2018 under Sections 701 and 731 of the Trade Act. Alliance accused China, Thailand and Sri Lanka of selling their rubber bands in the U.S. at less than fair value and subsidizing their rubber band producers.The ITC voted to discontinue the investigation of Sri Lankan rubber band importers in March, but continued the investigations of Chinese and Thai importers.

In July, the Commerce Department issued preliminary countervailing duties of 125.77 percent against Chinese rubber band imports. Against the Thais, however, they found only de minimis dumping margins—0.23 percent against Liang Hah Heng International Rubber Co. Ltd. and 0.37 percent against U Yeng Industry Co. Ltd.

On Sept. 6, Commerce issued preliminary antidumping duties of 5.86 percent against U Yong and all other Thai rubber band producers except Liang Hah Heng, against which it found zero antidumping duties.Also at that time, it determined that critical circumstances existed in the case of Chinese imports, meaning that duties could be imposed retroactively.

The ITC has scheduled a final phase hearing on Chinese and Thai rubber band imports Nov. 13 at its headquarters. Requests to appear at the hearing are due Nov. 7, and those planning to make oral presentations at the hearing should attend a prehearing conference at the ITC Nov. 9.

The agency issued a notice on the final phase in the Sept. 17 Federal Register.