The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) today unanimously determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of polyethylene terephthalate film, sheet, and strip from India that are allegedly subsidized and imports of these products from India and Taiwan that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.

As a result of the Commission's affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its countervailing duty investigation of imports of polyethylene terephthalate film, sheet, and strip from India and its antidumping investigations of imports of these products from India and Taiwan, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about August 10, 2001, and its antidumping determinations due on or about October 24, 2001.

The Commission's public report Polyethylene Terephthalate Film, Sheet, and Strip from India and Taiwan (Investigations Nos. 701-TA-415 and 731-TA-933-934 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 3437, July 2001) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

Copies of the report are expected to be available after July 31, 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: For purposes of these investigations, the product covered is polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. PET film is a high-performance, clear, flexible, transparent or translucent material produced from PET polymer, a linear, thermoplastic polyester resin. Unique properties imparted to PET film during the manufacturing process are integral to a myriad of downstream specialty applications in the packaging, industrial, magnetics, electrical and imaging sectors. PET film is produced in a variety of grades and thicknesses suitable for use in hundreds of applications, including food packaging; hot stamping foil, lamination, smart cards, and brightness enhancement films for computer screens; wire and cable wrap, and electric motor insulation; audio and video cassette tapes and computer floppy disks; X-ray and industrial films. The merchandise subject to this investigation is provided for in subheading 3920.62.00 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.

Status of Proceedings:
1.  Type of investigations: Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty (India).
2.  Petitioners: DuPont Teijin Films, Wilmington, DE, Mitsubishi Polyester Film of America,
    Greer, SC, and Toray Plastics (America), Inc., North Kensington, RI.
3.  Investigations instituted by USITC: May 17, 2001.
4.  Preliminary conference: June 7, 2001.
5.  USITC vote: June 29, 2001.
6.  USITC notification of Department of Commerce: July 2, 2001.


U.S. Industry:
1.  Number of U.S. firms in 2000: Nine.
2.  Production during 2000 (1,000 pounds): 531,261.
3.  Employment of production and related workers: 2,649.
4.  U.S. producers' U.S. shipments during 2000 (1,000 pounds): 459,865.
5.  U.S. apparent consumption during 2000 (1,000 pounds): 699,203. 
6.  Ratio of quantity of total imports to U.S. apparent consumption during 2000 (percent): 34.2. 


U.S. Imports:
1.  Quantity of subject imports during 2000 (1,000 pounds): 239,338.
2.  Value of subject imports during 2000 ($1,000): $349,038.