The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) today determined that there is not a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of spring table grapes from Chile and Mexico that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Chairman Stephen Koplan, Vice Chairman Deanna Tanner Okun, and Commissioners Lynn M. Bragg, Marcia E. Miller, and Jennifer A. Hillman voted in the negative. Commissioner Dennis M. Devaney made affirmative threat determinations.

As a result of the Commission's negative determinations, the cases will end.

The Commission's public report Spring Table Grapes from Chile and Mexico (Investigations Nos. 731-TA-926 and 927 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 3432, June 2001) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

Copies of the report are expected to be available after July 9, 2001, by calling 202-205-1809 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: The imported product subject to these investigations is any variety of vitis vinifera species table grapes from Chile or Mexico entered during the period April 1 through June 30, inclusive. Included are seedless and seeded grapes, regardless of color. Excluded are by-product grapes and other grapes for use as other than table grapes, including those grapes used for raisins, crushing, juice, wine, canning, processed foods, and other by-product and not direct consumption purposes. The subject imports are classified under Harmonized Tariff Schedule subheading 0806.10.40.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigations:  Preliminary phase antidumping.
2.   Petitioner:  Desert Grape Growers League, Thermal, CA.
3.   Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC:  March 30, 2001.
4.   Preliminary conference:  April 20, 2001.
5.   USITC vote:  June 11, 2001.
6.   USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce:  June 11, 2000.


U.S. Industry:

1.   Location of producers' facilities:  California, Arizona.
2.   Apparent U.S. consumption in 2000:  2.3 billion pounds.
3.   Ratio of the quantity of subject imports to total U.S. consumption in 2000: 13.8 percent.


Subject U.S. Imports (April 1-June 30):

1.   From the subject countries during 2000:  321 million pounds / $210 million.
2.   From other countries during 2000:  7 million pounds / $6 million.
3.   Leading sources during 2000:  Mexico and Chile.