September 20, 2007
News Release 07-097
Inv. No. 731-TA-1123 (P)
CONTACT: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

ITC VOTES TO CONTINUE CASE ON STEEL WIRE GARMENT HANGERS FROM CHINA

 The United States International Trade Commission (ITC or Commission) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of steel wire garment hangers from China 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 investigation of imports of steel wire garment hangers from China, with its preliminary determination due on or about January 7, 2008.

The Commission's public report Steel Wire Garment Hangers from China (Investigation No. 731-TA-1123 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 3951, September 2007) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.

Copies of the report are expected to be available after October 19, 2007, by calling 202-205-2000 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

Steel Wire Garment Hangers from China

Investigation No. 731-TA-1123 (Preliminary)

Product Description: Steel wire garment hangers are fabricated from carbon steel wire, whether or not galvanized or painted, whether or not coated with latex or epoxy or similar gripping materials, and/or whether or not fashioned with paper covers or capes (with or without printing) and/or nonslip features such as saddles or tubes. These products may also be referred to by a commercial designation, such as shirt, suit, strut, caped, or latex (industrial) hangers. Specifically excluded from the scope of this investigation are wooden, plastic, and other garment hangers that are classified under separate subheadings of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.

Status of Proceedings:

1.  Type of investigation:  Preliminary antidumping.
2.  Petitioners:  M&B Metal Products Company, Inc. ("M&B") on behalf of the domestic
          industry that produces steel wire garment hangers. 
3.  Preliminary investigation instituted by the USITC:  July 31, 2007.
4.  Commission's conference:  August 21, 2007.
5.  USITC vote:  September 20, 2007.
6.  USITC determination to the U.S. Department of Commerce:  September 28, 2007.
7.  USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce:  September 28, 2007.


U.S. Industry:

1.  Number of producers in 2006:  Seven.
2.  Location of producers' plants in 2006:  Alabama, California, Illinois, New Jersey, 	           Puerto Rico, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
3.  Employment of production and related workers in 2006: 229.
4.  Apparent U.S. consumption in 2006:  2.8 billion hangers valued at $96.8 million.
5.  Ratio of the quantity of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2006:  74.1%.


U.S. Imports:

1.  From the subject country during 2006:  1.8 billion hangers valued at $56.3 million.
2.  From other countries during 2006:  312 million hangers valued at $10.9 million.
3.  Leading sources during 2006:  China and Mexico.
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