[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 241 (Wednesday, December 16, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 69305-69306]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-33320]


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INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

[Investigation 332-401]


Pianos: Economic and Competitive Conditions Affecting the U.S. 
Industry

AGENCY: United States International Trade Commission.

ACTION: Institution of investigation and scheduling of public hearing.

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EFFECTIVE DATE: December 4, 1998.

SUMMARY: Following the receipt of a request on November 12, 1998, from 
the Committee on Ways and Means of the U.S. House of Representatives, 
the Commission instituted investigation No. 332-401, Pianos: Economic 
and Competitive Conditions Affecting the U.S. Industry, under section 
332(g) of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1332(g)).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Industry-specific information may be 
obtained from Mr. David Lundy (202-205-3439) or Mr. Ralph Watkins (202-
205-3492), Office of Industries, U.S. International Trade Commission, 
Washington, DC 20436. For information on the legal aspects of this 
investigation contact Mr. William Gearhart of the Office of the General 
Counsel (202-205-3091). Hearing impaired individuals are advised that 
information on this matter can be obtained by contacting the TDD 
terminal on (202) 205-1810.

Background

    The Commission received the Committee's letter on November 12, 
1998. The Committee asked that the Commission institute a factfinding 
investigation of the current conditions affecting the domestic piano 
industry, particularly that portion of the industry producing upright 
pianos. As requested by the Committee, the Commission will include the 
following information in its report to the extent possible:

    (1) An overview of the global market for pianos, including such 
factors as consumption, production, and trade during the period 
1994-98.
    (2) A profile of the U.S. piano industry, including leading 
producers, importers, distributors, and suppliers of pianos.
    (3) Profiles of leading manufacturers in Japan, Korea, China, 
and Indonesia.
    (4) A comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of U.S. and 
foreign producers regarding factors of competition such as 
production costs, access to raw materials, labor costs, availability 
of skilled/experienced labor force, financing, level of technology 
in the manufacturing process, product appearance, quality as a 
musical instrument, pricing, and home market strength.

    The Committee requested that the Commission in its examination of 
foreign industries and markets concentrate principally on Japan, Korea, 
China, and Indonesia. The Committee also requested the Commission take 
into account currency fluctuations and devaluations in considering the 
factors of competition. The Commission expects to submit its report to 
the Committee by May 12, 1999.

Public Hearing

    A public hearing in connection with the investigation will be held 
at the U.S. International Trade Commission Building, 500 E Street SW, 
Washington, DC, beginning at 9:30 a.m. on February 17, 1999. All 
persons shall have the right to appear, by counsel or in person, to 
present information and to be heard. Requests to appear at the public 
hearing should be filed with the Secretary, United States International 
Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436, no later than 
5:15 p.m., January 29, 1999. Any prehearing briefs (original and 14 
copies) should be filed not later than 5:15 p.m., February 5, 1999; the 
deadline for filing post-hearing briefs or statements is 5:15 p.m., 
March 1, 1999. In the event that, as of the close of business on 
January 29, 1999, no witnesses are scheduled to appear at the hearing, 
the hearing will be canceled. Any person interested in attending the 
hearing as an observer or non-participant may call the Secretary of the 
Commission (202-205-1816) after January 29, 1999 to determine whether 
the hearing will be held.

[[Page 69306]]

Written Submissions

    In lieu of or in addition to participating in the hearing, 
interested parties are invited to submit written statements concerning 
the matters to be addressed by the Commission in its report on this 
investigation. Commercial or financial information that a submitter 
desires the Commission to treat as confidential must be submitted on 
separate sheets of paper, each clearly marked ``Confidential Business 
Information'' at the top. All submissions requesting confidential 
treatment must conform with the requirements of section 201.6 of the 
Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR 201.6). All 
written submissions, except for confidential business information, will 
be made available in the Office of the Secretary of the Commission for 
inspection by interested parties. To be assured of consideration by the 
Commission, written statements relating to the Commission's report 
should be submitted to the Commission at the earliest practical date 
and should be received no later than the close of business on March 1, 
1999. All submissions should be addressed to the Secretary, United 
States International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 
20436. The Commission's rules does not authorize the filing of 
submissions with the Secretary by facsimile or electronic means.
    Persons with mobility impairments who will need special assistance 
in gaining access to the Commission should contact the Office of the 
Secretary at 202-205-2000. General information concerning the 
Commission may also be obtained by accessing its Internet server 
(http://www.usitc.gov).

    Issued: December 7, 1998.

    By order of the Commission.
Donna R. Koehnke,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 98-33320 Filed 12-15-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P