The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is threatened with material injury by reason of imports of ironing tables and certain parts thereof from China that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Chairman Deanna Tanner Okun, Vice Chairman Jennifer A. Hillman, and Commissioners Marcia E. Miller and Stephen Koplan 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 ironing tables and certain parts thereof from China, with its preliminary determination due on or about December 8, 2003.

The Commission's public report Ironing Tables and Certain Parts Thereof from China (Investigation No. 731-TA-1047 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 3623, 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 11, 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: For purposes of this investigation, the product covered consists of floor-standing, metal-top ironing tables, assembled or unassembled, complete or incomplete, and certain parts thereof. The subject tables are designed and used principally for the hand ironing or pressing of garments or other articles of fabric. The subject tables have full-height leg assemblies that support the ironing surface at an appropriate (often adjustable) height above the floor. Ironing tables were previously imported under statistical reporting number 9403.20.0010 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS). Effective July 1, 2003, ironing tables are imported under new HTS statistical reporting number 9403.20.0011. Metal top and leg components are imported under HTS statistical reporting number 9403.90.8040.

Status of Proceedings:
1.  Type of investigation:  Preliminary antidumping.
2.  Petitioner:  Home Products International, Inc. (HPI), Chicago, IL.
3.  Investigation instituted by USITC:  June 30, 2003.
4.  Conference:  July 21, 2003.
5.  USITC vote:  August 13, 2003.
6.  USITC notification of Department of Commerce:  August 14, 2003.

U.S. Industry:
1.  Number of U.S. firms in 2003:  One.
2.  Production during 2002, and January-March 2003:  (1)
3.  Employment of production and related workers:  (1)
4.  U.S. producers' U.S. shipments during 2002, and January-March 2003:  (1)
5.  U.S. apparent consumption during 2002, and January-March 2003 (1,000 units):  (1)
6.  Ratio of quantity of total imports to U.S. apparent consumption
        during 2002, and January-March 2003 (percent):  (1)

U.S. Imports:
1.  Quantity of subject imports during 2002 and January-March 2003 (1,000 units):  (1)
2.  Value of subject imports during 2002, and January-March 2003 ($1,000):  (1)
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