August 5, 2003
News Release 03-076
Inv. No. 731-TA-1046(P)

ITC VOTES TO CONTINUE CASE ON TETRAHYDROFURFURYL ALCOHOL FROM CHINA

 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 tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol from China that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.

All Commissioners voted in the affirmative.

As a result of the Commission's affirmative determination, the Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its antidumping investigation of imports of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol from China, with its preliminary determination due on or about December 1, 2003.

The Commission's public report Tetrahydrofurfuryl Alcohol from China (Investigation No. 731- TA-1046 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 3620, August 2003) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.

Copies of the report are expected to be available after September 4, 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.

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Tetrahydrofurfuryl Alcohol from China
Investigation No. 731-TA-1046 (Preliminary)

Product Description: Tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA) (C5H10O2), a primary alcohol, is an environmentally acceptable, biodegradable, and water miscible specialty solvent. THFA is a member of the heterocyclic compounds known as furans, which are characterized by a nucleus consisting of an unsaturated ring of four carbon atoms and one oxygen atom, and is produced from furfural. The major uses for THFA are as cleaning solvents used in the electronics industry; in wood refinishing and household cleaners; in the paint industry in lacquers, shellac, and enamel; as a solvent for resins such as nitrocellulose, rosin, soya, vinyls, and nylon; as solvent adjuvent used in agricultural formulations; and extractive solvents in refining lubrications oils and fatty acids.

Status of Proceedings:
   1.     Type of investigation:  Preliminary antidumping.
   2.     Petitioner:  Penn Specialty Chemicals, Inc., Plymouth Meeting, PA.
   3.     Investigation instituted by the USITC:  June 23, 2003.
   4.     Conference:  July 14, 2003. 
   5.     USITC vote:  August 5, 2003.
   6.     USITC report to the U.S. Department of Commerce:  August 14, 2003.
          
U.S. Industry:
   1.     Number of producers in 2002: 1
   2.     Location of producer's plant: Memphis, TN  
   3.     Employment of production and related workers in 2002: 
   4.     Apparent U.S. consumption in 2002: 2
   5.     Ratio of the value of total U.S. shipments of imports to total U.S. 
                consumption in 2002: 2
   
U.S. Imports:
   1.     From the subject countries during 2002: 2
   2.     From other countries during 2002:  0
   3.     Leading source during 2002:  China
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