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 metal calendar slides from Japan that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Chairman Stephen Koplan and Commissioners Jennifer A. Hillman and Charlotte R. Lane voted in the affirmative. Vice Chairman Deanna Tanner Okun and Commissioner Daniel R. Pearson voted in the negative. Commissioner Marcia E. Miller did not participate in this investigation.

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 metal calendar slides from Japan, with its preliminary determination due on or about December 5, 2005.

The Commission's public report Metal Calendar Slides from Japan (Investigation No. 731-TA-1094 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 3792, August 2005) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.

Copies of the report are expected to be available after September 12, 2005, 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 imported product subject to this investigation is metal calendar slides manufactured from cold-rolled steel sheet. These slides are distinguished by their "V"- or "U"- shaped longitudinal fold where the calendar is inserted for folding over to bind the calendar into the slide. Their outer surface is often primed for oxidation protection or enameled or lacquered for decorative effect. An eyelet is either attached as a separate piece or stamped as integral to the slide itself to provide for hanging of the calendar. Specifically excluded are slides constructed of paper, plastic, aluminum, or heavier-gauge steel.

Status of Proceedings:

1. Type of Investigation:  Preliminary antidumping.
2. Petitioner:  Stuebing Automatic Machine Co. (Cincinnati, OH).
3. Preliminary investigation instituted by the USITC:  June 29, 2005.
4. Commission conference:  July 20, 2005.
5. USITC vote:  August 11, 2005.
6. USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce:  August 15, 2005.

U.S. Industry:

1. Number of producers:  1.
2. Location of producer  plants:  Ohio.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2004:  (1).
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2004:  (1).
5. Ratio of the value of total U.S. shipments of imports to total U.S. consumption in
        2004:  (1).

U.S. Imports:

1.   From the subject countries during 2004:  (1).
2.   From other countries during 2004:  (1).
3.   Leading source during 2004:  Japan.

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