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 refined brown aluminum oxide from China that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.

All five Commissioners made affirmative determinations.

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 refined brown aluminum oxide from Japan, with its preliminary determination due on or about April 29, 2003.

The Commission's public report Refined Brown Aluminum Oxide from China (Investigation No. 731-TA-1022 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 3572, January 2003) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.

Copies of the report are expected to be available after February 3, 2003, 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 product subject to this investigation is refined brown aluminum oxide defined as "ground, pulverized or refined artificial corundum, also known as brown aluminum oxide or brown fused alumina, in grit size of 3/8 inch or less. The subject product includes brown artificial corundum in which particles with a diameter greater than 3/8 inch constitute less than 50 percent of the total weight of the batch. The merchandise is provided for in subheading 2818.10.20 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).

Status of Proceedings:
1.  Type of investigation:  Preliminary antidumping.
2.  Petitioners:  Washington Mills Company, Inc., North Grafton, MA; C-E Minerals, King of
        Prussia, PA; and Treibacher Schleifmittel Corporation, Niagara Falls, NY.
3.  Investigation instituted by USITC:  November 20, 2002.
4.  Conference:  December 11, 2002.
5.  USITC vote:  January 6, 2003.
6.  USITC notification of Department of Commerce: January 13, 2003.

U.S. Industry:
1.  Number of U.S. firms in 2002:  Five.
2.  Production during January-September 2002 (short tons):  (1)
3.  Employment of production and related workers:  (1)
4.  U.S. producers' U.S. shipments during January-September 2002 (short tons):  (1)
5.  U.S. apparent consumption during January-September 2002 (short tons):  (1)
6.  Ratio of quantity of total imports to U.S. apparent consumption 
        during January-September 2002 (percent):  56.2  

U.S. Imports:
1.  Quantity of subject imports during January-September 2002 (short tons):  29,205
2.  Value of subject imports during January-September 2002 ($1,000):  8,718
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