The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of outboard engines from Japan 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 determination, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its antidumping investigation of imports of outboard engines from Japan, with its preliminary antidumping determination due on or about June 16, 2004.

The Commission's public report Outboard Engines from Japan (Investigation No. 731-TA-1069 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 3673, March 2004) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.

Copies of the report are expected to be available after March 22, 2004, 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 this investigation is outboard engines, whether assembled or unassembled, and also powerheads therefor, whether assembled or unassembled, designed and used principally for marine propulsion of all types of light recreational and commercial boats. Outboard engines consist of a powerhead assembly, midsection assembly, and gearcase assembly. Other than powerheads, no other parts or components imported separately are included in the scope of this investigation. The subject powerheads are gasoline powered spark-ignition internal combustion engines consisting of a cylinder block, pistons, connecting rods, and a crankshaft.

Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation:  Preliminary antidumping.
2. Petitioner: Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corp., Fond du Lac, WI.
3. Preliminary investigation instituted by the USITC: January 8, 2004.
4. Commission's conference:  January 29, 2004.
5. USITC vote: February 23, 2004.
6. USITC determination to the U.S. Department of Commerce:  February 23, 2004.

U.S. Industry:
1. Number of producers in 2002: Two.
2. Location of producer's plants: Wisconsin.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2002: (1)
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2002: (1)
5. Ratio of the value of total U.S. shipments of imports to total U.S. consumption 
     in 2002: (1)

U.S. Imports:
1. From the subject country during 2002(2):  $623,585,000.
2. From other countries during 2002(2):  $6,679,000.
3. Leading source during 2002(2): Japan (in terms of total value).

(1) Withheld to avoid disclosing business proprietary information.
(2) Most recent year for which full-year data are available.