August 7, 2008
News Release 08-076
Inv. Nos. 701-TA-457 and 731-TA-1153 (P)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

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 certain tow-behind lawn groomers and parts thereof from China that are allegedly subsidized and 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 determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its countervailing duty and antidumping investigations of imports of these products from China, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about September 17, 2008, and its preliminary antidumping determination due on or about December 1, 2008.

The Commission's public report Certain Tow-Behind Lawn Groomers and Parts Thereof from China (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-457 and 731-TA-1153 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4028, August 2008) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

Copies of the report are expected to be available after September 5, 2008, 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.

Product Description: Tow-behind lawn groomers (TBLGs) is a group of four separate pieces of lawn grooming equipment, whereby each piece incorporates a hitch and is intended to be towed behind a lawn tractor, all terrain vehicle, utility type vehicle, riding lawn mower, or similar vehicle. The four specific types of TBLGs covered in these investigations are tow-behind lawn aerators, dethatchers, spreaders, and sweepers. Aerators perforate the lawn with small holes to facilitate the penetration of oxygen, water, and fertilizer to the roots for healthier grass. Dethatchers rake and dislodge debris compacted on the lawn surface to further promote penetration of oxygen, water, and fertilizer. Spreaders distribute granular material such as grass seed or fertilizer evenly across the lawn. Sweepers brush debris, such as grass clippings, leaves, and twigs, off the lawn surface and into a catcher bag for disposal. TBLGs are generally intended for personal use on residential lawn areas of a size that will effectively accommodate the apparatus (towing vehicle and piece of equipment) as opposed to manually powered groomers, which are intended for smaller lawn areas, and motorized groomers, which tend to be of a size and weight designed for high volume, commercial use.

Status of Proceedings:

1.  Type of investigations:  Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty.
2.  Petitioners: Agri-Fab, Inc., Sullivan, IL.
3.  Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC:  June 24, 2008.
4.  Commission's conference:  July 16, 2008.
5.  USITC vote:  August 7, 2008.
6.  USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce:  August 8, 2008.
7.  USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce:  August 15, 2008.

U.S. Industry:

1.  Number of producers in 2007: Four.
2.  Location of producers' plants: Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.
3.  Employment of production and related workers in 2007: (1)
4.  Apparent U.S. consumption in 2007: (1)
5.  Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2007: (1)

U.S. Imports:

1.  From the subject countries during 2007: (1)
2.  From other countries during 2007: (1)
3.  Leading source during 2007:  China.