For Immediate Release: July 14, 2006

FACT SHEET

Initiation of Antidumping Duty Investigation on Imports of
Certain Polyester Staple Fiber from the People’s Republic of China

On July 14, the Department of Commerce initiated an antidumping duty investigatio n on imports of Certain Polyester Staple Fiber (PSF) from the People’s Republic of China. PSF is generally used as stuffing in sleeping bags, mattresses, ski jackets, comforters, cushions, pillows, and furniture. U.S. producers -- DAK Americas LLC (NC), Nan Ya Plastics Corporation America (SC), and Wellman, Inc. (NJ) -- allege that Chinese producers/exporters are selling PSF in the U.S. at 87.43 to 108.98 percentless than fair market value. From 2003 to 2005, PSF imports from the PRC increased 161.20 percent by volume, and were valued at an estimated $93.2 million in 2005.

Next Steps: The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is scheduled to make its preliminary injury determination on or about August 7. If the ITC determines that there is a reasonable indication that imports from China are injuring or threatening material injury to the domestic industry, the investigation would continue and the Department would be scheduled to make its preliminary antidumping duty determination in November 2006. If the ITC makes a negative preliminary injury determination, the investigation will be terminated.

* These deadlines may be extended under the governing statute.
** This will take place only in the event of a final affirmative determination from the Department of Commerce.
*** This will take place only in the event of final affirmative determinations by both the Department and the ITC.

Source: U.S. International Trade Commission, Dataweb (HTS 5503.20.0045 and 5503.20.0065)