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 greenhouse tomatoes from Canada 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 duty investigation of imports of greenhouse tomatoes from Canada, with its preliminary determination due on or about September 4, 2001.

The Commission's public report Greenhouse Tomatoes from Canada (Investigation No. 731-TA- 925 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 3424, May 2001) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.

Copies of the report are expected to be available after June 11, 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 this investigation consists of all fresh or chilled tomatoes grown in greenhouses in Canada, e.g., common round tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, plum or pear tomatoes, and cluster or "on-the-vine" tomatoes. Specifically excluded from the scope of this investigation are all field-grown tomatoes. Imported greenhouse tomatoes are provided for in HTS subheadings 0702.00.20, 0702.00.40, and 0702.00.60.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Preliminary antidumping.
2.   Petitioners:  Carolina Hydroponic Growers, Inc.; Eurofresh, Inc.; Hydro Age; Sun Blest
       Management; Sun Blest Farms; and Village Farms, LP.
3.   Investigation instituted by Commission:  March 28, 2001.
4.   Commission's conference:  April 18, 2001.
5.   Commission's briefing and vote:  May 10, 2001.
6.   Commission's determination to the U.S. Department of Commerce:  May 14, 2001.

U.S. Industry:

1.   Number of responding producers in 2001:  9
2.   Production locations of major producers:  Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, New York,
       Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia.
3.   Reported employment of production and related workers in 2000:  1,945
4.   Apparent U.S. consumption in 2000:  511.9 million pounds; $435.1 million.
5.   Ratio of U.S. producers' U.S. shipments (by quantity) to U.S. consumption in 2000:  35 percent.

U.S. Imports:

1.   From Canada during 2000:  223.5 million pounds; $163.9 million.
2.   From all countries during 2000:  332.8 million; $295.9 million.
3.   Leading source during 2000:  Canada (in quantity and value).
4.   Ratio of U.S. imports from Canada (by quantity) to U.S. consumption in 2000:  43.7 percent.
5.   Ratio of U.S. imports from all other sources (by quantity) to U.S. consumption in 2000:  21.3 percent.
6.   Ratio of U.S. imports from all sources (by quantity) to U.S. consumption in 2000:  65 percent.