November 13, 2000
News Release 00-143
Invs. Nos. 701-TA-402 and 731-TA-892-893 (P)

ITC VOTES TO CONTINUE CASES ON HONEY FROM ARGENTINA AND CHINA

 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 honey from Argentina and China that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value, and imports of honey from Argentina that are allegedly subsidized.

Chairman Stephen Koplan, Vice Chairman Deanna Tanner Okun, and Commissioners Lynn M. Bragg, Marcia E. Miller, Jennifer A. Hillman, and Thelma J. Askey voted in the affirmative.

As a result of the Commission's affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its investigations of imports of honey from Argentina and China, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about December 26, 2000, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about March 8, 2001.

The Commission's public report Honey from Argentina and China (Investigations Nos. 701-TA-402 and 731-TA-892-893 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 3369, November 2000) 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, 2000, 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.

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Honey from Argentina and China
Investigations Nos. 701-TA-402 and 731-TA-892-893 (Preliminary)

Product Description: For purposes of these investigations, the products covered consist of natural honey, artificial honey containing more than 50 percent natural honey by weight, preparations of natural honey containing more than 50 percent natural honey by weight, and flavored honey. The subject products include all grades and colors of honey whether in liquid, creamed, comb, cut comb, or chunk form, and whether packaged for retail or in bulk form. Honey is a sweet, viscous fluid derived from the nectar of flowers and produced in the sac of honey bees. Honey appears in a variety of products such as beers, breads and other baked goods, cereals, condiments, candies, medicines, and even shampoos. The merchandise subject to these investigations is provided for in subheadings 0409.00, 1702.90.90, and 2106.90.99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.

Status of Proceedings:
     1.   Types of investigations: Preliminary antidumping (China and Argentina) and preliminary
     countervailing duty (Argentina).
     2.   Petitioners: American Honey Producers Association, Bruce, South Dakota, and the Sioux
     Honey Association, Sioux City, Iowa.
     3.   Investigations instituted by USITC: September 29, 2000.
     4.   Conference: October 20, 2000.
     5.   USITC vote: November 13, 2000.
     6.   USITC notification of Department of Commerce: November 13, 2000.

U.S. Industry:
     1.   Number of U.S. firms in 1999: 112,000-120,000 beekeepers (honey producers);
     350 producer/packers; 110 independent packers.
     2.   Production during 1999 (1,000 pounds): 205,228.
     3.   U.S. beekeepers' U.S. shipments during 1999 (1,000 pounds): 195,602.
     4.   U.S. apparent consumption during 1999 (1,000 pounds): 378,125.
5.   Share of total imports to U.S. apparent consumption during 1999 (percent): 48.3.  

U.S. Imports:
1.   Quantity of subject imports during 1999 (1,000 pounds): 142,581.
2.   Value of subject imports during 1999 ($1,000): $67,511.


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