The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) today voted to conduct full five-year ("sunset") reviews concerning the antidumping duty orders on helical spring lock washers from China and Taiwan (Invs. Nos. 731-TA-624-625 (Review)).

As a result of today's votes, the Commission will conduct full reviews to determine whether revocation of the orders on these products would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.

The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the ITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (ITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time. Reviews of outstanding antidumping and countervailing duty orders in existence as of January 1, 1995, began in July 1998.

The Commission's notice of institution in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file with the Commission responses that discuss the likely effects of revoking the order and provide other pertinent information. Generally within 95 days from institution, the Commission will determine whether the responses it has received reflect an adequate or inadequate level of interest in a full review. If responses to the ITC's notice of institution are adequate, or if other circumstances warrant a full review, the Commission conducts a full review, which includes a public hearing and issuance of questionnaires.

With regard to China, Vice Chairman Marcia E. Miller and Commissioners Jennifer A. Hillman, Stephen Koplan, Thelma J. Askey, and Deanna Tanner Okun determined that both the domestic and the respondent group responses were adequate and voted for a full review. Chairman Lynn M. Bragg determined that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for an expedited review.

With regard to Taiwan, Vice Chairman Miller and Commissioners Hillman, Koplan, Askey, and Okun determined that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate, but that circumstances warranted a full review. Chairman Bragg determined that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for an expedited review.

A record of the Commission's votes on these matters is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.

The record of the Commission's votes is also posted on the ITC's Internet server at www.usitc.gov (under "Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews"/"Five-Year Reviews Listing"/"Helical Spring Lock Washers from China" and "Helical Spring Lock Washers from Taiwan").

The Federal Register notice will indicate whether any further information or statements will be available. The Commission will issue a report after it completes its reviews.