[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 38 (Wednesday, February 26, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 8926]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-4460]


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INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

[Investigation No. TA-421-2]


Certain Steel Wire Garment Hangers From China

Determination

    On the basis of information developed in the subject investigation, 
the United States International Trade Commission determines, pursuant 
to section 421(b)(1) of the Trade Act of 1974,\1\ that certain steel 
wire garment hangers \2\ from the People's Republic of China are being 
imported into the United States in such increased quantities or under 
such conditions as to cause market disruption to the domestic producers 
of like or directly competitive products.
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    \1\ 19 U.S.C. 2451(b)(1).
    \2\ For purposes of this investigation, certain steel wire 
garment hangers consist of garment hangers, fabricated from steel 
wire in gauges from 9 to 17, inclusive (3.77 to 1.37 millimeters, 
inclusive), whether or not galvanized or painted, whether or not 
coated with latex or epoxy or other similar gripping materials, and 
whether or not fashioned with paper covers or capes (with or without 
printing) and/or nonslip features such as saddles, tubes, or struts. 
After fabrication, such hangers are in lengths from 7 to 20 inches, 
inclusive (177.8 to 508 millimeters, inclusive), and the hanger's 
length or bottom bar is composed of steel wire and/or saddles, tubes 
or struts. The product may also be identified by its commercial 
designation, referring to the shape and/or style of the hanger or 
the garment for which it is intended, including but not limited to 
shirt, suit, strut, and caped hangers. Specifically excluded are 
wooden, plastic, aluminum, and other garment hangers that are 
covered under separate subheadings of the HTS. The products subject 
to this investigation are classified in subheading 7326.20.00 of the 
HTS and reported under statistical reporting number 7326.20.0020. 
Although the HTS subheading is provided for convenience and Customs 
purposes, the written description of the merchandise is dispositive.
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Recommendations on Proposed Remedies

    Chairman Deanna Tanner Okun, Vice Chairman Jennifer A. Hillman, and 
Commissioner Marcia E. Miller propose that the President impose a duty, 
in addition to the current rate of duty, for a three-year period, on 
imports of the subject steel wire garment hangers from China as 
follows: 25 percent ad valorem in the first year, 20 percent ad valorem 
in the second year, and 15 percent ad valorem in the third year of 
relief. They further recommend that, if applications are filed, the 
President direct the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. 
Department of Labor to provide expedited consideration of trade 
adjustment assistance for firms and/or workers affected by the subject 
imports.
    Commissioner Lynn M. Bragg proposes that the President impose a 
duty, in addition to the current rate of duty, for a two-year period, 
on imports of the subject steel wire garment hangers from China as 
follows: 20 percent ad valorem in the first year, and 15 percent ad 
valorem in the second year of relief.
    Commissioner Stephen Koplan proposes that the President impose a 
duty of 30 percent ad valorem, in addition to the current rate of duty, 
for a three-year period, on imports of the subject steel wire garment 
hangers from China. He further recommends that, if applications are 
filed, the President direct the U.S. Department of Commerce and the 
U.S. Department of Labor to provide expedited consideration of trade 
adjustment assistance for firms and/or workers affected by the subject 
imports.
    The Commissioners each find that the respective actions that they 
propose are necessary to remedy the market disruption found to exist.

Background

    Following receipt of a petition filed on November 27, 2002, on 
behalf of CHC Industries, Inc.; M&B Metal Products Co., Inc.; and 
United Wire Hanger Corp., the Commission instituted investigation No. 
TA-421-2, Certain Steel Wire Garment Hangers From China, under section 
421 of the Trade Act of 1974 to determine whether certain steel wire 
garment hangers from China are being imported into the United States in 
such increased quantities or under such conditions as to cause or 
threaten to cause market disruption to the domestic producers of like 
or directly competitive products.
    Notice of the institution of the Commission's investigation and of 
the scheduling of a public hearing to be held in connection therewith 
was given by posting a copy of the notice on the Commission's website 
(www.usitc.gov) and by publishing the notice in the Federal Register of 
December 6, 2002 (67 FR 72700). The hearing was held on January 9, 
2003, in Washington, DC; all persons who requested the opportunity were 
permitted to appear in person or by counsel.
    The views of the Commission are contained in USITC Publication 3575 
(February 2003), entitled Certain Steel Wire Garment Hangers from 
China: Investigation No. TA-421-2.


    By order of the Commission.

    Issued: February 20, 2003.
Marilyn R. Abbott,
Secretary to the Commission.
[FR Doc. 03-4460 Filed 2-25-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P