March 14, 2008
News Release 08-025
Inv. Nos. 701-TA-454 and 731-TA-1144 (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 or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of welded stainless steel pressure pipe 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 investigations of imports of welded stainless steel pressure pipe from China, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about April 24, 2008, and its preliminary antidumping determination due on or about July 8, 2008.

The Commission's public report Welded Stainless Steel Pressure Pipe from China (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-454 and 731-TA-1144 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 3986, March 2008) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

Copies of the report are expected to be available after April 14, 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: The imported product subject to these investigations is welded stainless steel pressure pipe with an outside diameter not greater than 14 inches. The product includes, but is not limited to, the American Society for Testing and Materials ("ASTM") A-312 or ASTM A-778 specifications or comparable domestic or foreign specifications. ASTM A-358 products are only included when they are produced to meet ASTM A-312 or ASTM A-778 specifications or comparable domestic or foreign specifications. The product is typically used for conveying gases and liquids in corrosive environments or under high temperature and pressure conditions.

Status of Proceedings:

1.  Type of investigations:  Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty.
2.  Petitioners:  Bristol Metals, Bristol, TN; Felker Brothers Corp., Marshfield, WI; Marcegaglia
      USA, Inc., Munhall, PA; Outokumpu Stainless Pipe, Inc., Schaumburg, IL; and The United
      Steel Workers, Pittsburgh, PA.
3.  Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC:  January 30, 2008.
4.  Commission's conference:  February 21, 2008.
5.  USITC vote:  March 14, 2008.
6.  USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce:  March 17, 2008.
7.  USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce:  March 24, 2008.

U.S. Industry:

1.  Number of producers in 2007:  Seven.
2.  Location of producers' plants:  Florida, Kentucky, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee,
      and Wisconsin.
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 China during 2007:  30,574 short tons ($156 million).            
2.  From other countries during 2007:  29,314 short tons ($160 million).
3.  Leading sources during 2007:  China, followed by Taiwan, South Korea, and Malaysia.

(1) Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.