November 9, 2007
News Release 07-112
Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1131-1134 (P)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

The United States International Trade Commission (ITC or Commission) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, sheet, and strip from Brazil, China, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.

All six Commissioners voted in the affirmative.

As a result of the Commission's affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its antidumping investigations of imports of these products from Brazil, China, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates, with its preliminary antidumping determination due on or about March 6, 2008.

The Commission's public report Polyethylene Terephthalate Film, Sheet, and Strip from Brazil, China, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates (Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1131-1134 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 3962, November 2007) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

Copies of the report are expected to be available after December 11, 2007, by calling 202-205- 2000 or from the Office of the Secretary, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may also be faxed to 202-205-2104.

Product Description: Polyethylene terephthalate film (PET film) is a high-performance, clear, flexible, transparent or translucent biaxially oriented polyester film produced from PET polymer. PET film is generally more expensive than other plastic films and used only where its special properties are integral to a myriad of downstream applications. The product is produced in a large variety of widths and film thicknesses and usually contains very light coatings or other treatments which enhance gas barrier, printability, adhesive, and optical properties suitable for end use products. Commodity grades are used in the industrial and packaging sectors, while specialty grades are used in the electrical, imaging, and magnetic media sectors. Selected uses range from common items such as Mylar balloons, electrical tapes and index tabs, to brightness enhancement films for computer screens, smart cards, a wide variety of food packaging, circuit boards, instant photos, floppy disks, computer backup tapes, and touch screens.

Status of Proceedings:

1.  Type of investigations:  Preliminary antidumping.
2.  Petitioners: DuPont Teijin Films, Hopewell, VA; Mitsubishi Polyester Film of American,
      Greer, S.C.; SKC America, Inc., Covington, GA; and Toray Plastics (America), Inc., North
      Kingston, RI.
3.  Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC: September 28, 2007.
4.  Commission's conference: October 19, 2007.
5.  USITC vote: November 9, 2007.
6.  USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce: November 13, 2007.
7.  USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: November 20, 2007.

U.S. Industry:

1.  Number of producers in 2006:  Eight.
2.  Location of producers' plants: Georgia, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island,
      South Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
3.  Employment of production and related workers in 2006: 2,317.
4.  Apparent U.S. consumption in 2006: $1,535 million.
5.  Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2006: 23.2% (estimated).

U.S. Imports:

1.  From the subject countries during 2006:  $76.0 million (estimated).
2.  From other countries during 2006:  $280.1 million (estimated).
3.  Leading sources during 2006: Korea and China (in terms of total value, estimated).