The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of light-walled rectangular pipe and tube from Mexico and Turkey 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, Stephen Koplan, and Charlotte R. Lane voted in the affirmative. Commissioner Daniel R. Pearson did not participate in this vote.

As a result of the Commission's affirmative determination, the Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its antidumping investigation of imports of light-walled rectangular pipe and tube from Mexico and Turkey, with its preliminary determination due on or about February 16, 2004.

The Commission's public report Light-Walled Rectangular Pipe and Tube from Mexico and Turkey (Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1054-1055 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 3644, October 2003) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.

Copies of the report are expected to be available after November 21, 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 products covered by these investigations are light-walled rectangular (LWR) pipe and tube from Mexico and Turkey, which are welded carbon-quality pipe and tube of rectangular (including square) cross-section, having a wall thickness of less than 0.156 inch. These LWR pipe and tube have rectangular cross sections ranging from 0.375 x 0.625 inches to 2 x 6 inches, or square cross sections ranging from 0.375 to 4 inches, regardless of specification. The predominant end-uses for LWR include fencing, window guards, cattle chutes, railings for construction and agricultural applications, and more ornamental (but also functional) items such as furniture parts, athletic equipment, bicycle frames, lawn and garden equipment, store shelving, towel racks, and similar items. The imported merchandise subject to these investigations is provided for in subheading 7306.60.50 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.

Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation:  Preliminary antidumping.
2. Petitioners:  California Steel and Tube, City of Industry, CA; Hannibal Industries, Los
    Angeles, CA; Leavitt Tube Co., Chicago, IL; Maruichi American Corp., Santa Fe Springs,
    CA; Northwest Pipe, Co., Portland, OR; Searing Industries, Inc., Rancho Cucamongo, CA;
    Vest Inc., Los Angeles, CA; and Western Tube & Conduit, Corp., Long Breach, CA.
3. Investigations instituted by USITC:  September 9, 2003.
4. Conference:  September 30, 2003.
5. USITC vote and determinations to the Department of Commerce (Commerce):  October 24, 2003.
6. USITC views to Commerce:  October 31, 2003.

U.S. Industry:
1. Number of U.S. firms in 2002:  16.
2. Production during 2002:  366,775 short tons.
3. Employment of production and related workers:  735.  
4. U.S. producers' U.S. shipments during 2002:  354,969 short tons.
5. U.S. apparent consumption during 2002:  649,124 short tons.

U.S. Imports:
1. Quantity of subject imports during 2002:  175,127 short tons.
2. Value of subject imports during 2002:  $83,602,000.
3. Ratio of quantity of total imports to U.S. apparent consumption during 2002:  45.3 percent.