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 certain welded large diameter line pipe from Japan 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, Jennifer A. Hillman, and Dennis M. Devaney voted in the affirmative.

As a result of the Commission's affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its antidumping duty investigations of imports of certain welded large diameter line pipe from Japan and Mexico, with its preliminary determinations due on or about June 19, 2001.

The Commission's public report Certain Welded Large Diameter Line Pipe from Japan and Mexico (Investigations Nos. 731-TA-919-920 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 3400, March 2001) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

Copies of the report are expected to be available after March 26, 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 welded carbon and alloy line pipe, of circular cross section and with an outside diameter (OD) greater than 16 inches, whether or not stenciled. This product is normally produced according to American Petroleum Institute (API) specifications, including grade A25, A, B, and X grades ranging from X42 to X80, but can also be produced to other specifications.

Status of Proceedings:

1.  Type of investigations:  Preliminary phase antidumping duty.
2.  Petitioners:  Berg Steel Pipe Corp., Panama City, FL; American Steel Pipe Division of
       American Cast Iron Pipe Co., Birmingham, AL; and Stupp Corp., Baton Rouge, LA.
3.  Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC:  January 10, 2001.
4.  USITC staff conference:  January 31, 2001. 
5.  USITC briefing and vote:  February 22, 2001.
6.  USITC notification of the U.S. Department of Commerce:  February 26, 2001.


U.S. Industry in 2000:

1.  Number of producers of large line pipes:  Seven.
2.  Location of producers' plants:  Alabama, California, Florida, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and
       Texas.
3.  Employment (production and related workers):  566.
4.  U.S. producers' U.S. shipments (excluding exports):  330,635 short tons, 
       valued at $187,276,000.
5.  U.S. apparent consumption:  839,410 short tons, valued at $442,939,000.


U.S. Imports in 2000:

1.  From the subject countries:  
       Japan:  219,430 short tons, valued at $102,405,000
       Mexico:  27,628 short tons, valued at $12,615,000

2.  Ratio of subject imports to U.S. apparent consumption:
       Japan:  26.1 percent, by quantity; 23.1 percent, by value
       Mexico:  3.3 percent, by quantity; 2.8 percent, by value