U.S. International Trade Commission Adds Tao Motor as Respondent in Self-Balancing Vehicle Patent Case Estimated reading time: 3–5 minutes On June 4, 2025, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) officially decided not to review an initial determination made by the presiding administrative law judge. This decision grants a motion to amend a complaint by adding Zhejiang TaoTao Vehicles Co., Ltd. (Tao Motor) as a new respondent in an ongoing investigation. The investigation, known as No. 337-TA-1440, began on February 26, 2025. The complaint was filed by Razor USA LLC of Cerritos, California, and Shane Chen of Camas, Washington. These parties claim there are violations of Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. They allege certain motorized self-balancing vehicles imported into the United States infringe on their patents. The patents in question are U.S. Patent No. RE46,964; U.S. Patent No. RE49,608; and U.S. Patent No. D739,906. The complaint states that an industry related to these patents exists or is being established in the United States, as required by law. The Commission’s initial notice named five respondents: Golabs Inc. d/b/a Gotrax of Carrollton, Texas, Dongguan Saibotan Nengyuan Keji Co., Ltd. d/b/a “Gyroor US,” Guangdong, China, Gyroor Technology (CHINA) Co., Ltd. d/b/a Gyroor, Guangdong, China, Shenzhen Chitado Technology Co., Ltd. d/b/a Gyroor, Guangdong, China, Unicorn Network, LLC. d/b/a Sisigad of Dover, Delaware. Respondent Sisigad was previously found in default on April 16, 2025. This was not reviewed by the Commission. On April 30, 2025, the complainants asked to amend the complaint. They wanted to add Tao Motor of Lishui City, China, as a new respondent. They stated there was good cause, and that doing so would not harm any party or affect public interest. On May 13, 2025, the administrative law judge found good cause to add Tao Motor as a respondent. The judge confirmed adding Tao Motor would not cause harm to other parties or the public interest. No petitions to review this decision were filed. The Commission voted on June 3, 2025, to leave the decision unchanged. Tao Motor is now officially added as a respondent in the ongoing patent case. The authority for this action comes from Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended. It also follows the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, 19 CFR part 210. This decision was announced by Lisa Barton, Secretary to the Commission. The official document is Federal Register No. 2025-10393. Legal Disclaimer This article includes content collected from the Federal Register (federalregister.gov). The content is not an official government publication. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.

U.S. International Trade Commission Moves Forward on Exercise Equipment Patent Investigation Estimated reading time: 7–10 minutes The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) announced it will not review a recent initial determination. This decision comes from Investigation No. 337-TA-1419. The case is about claims by Balanced Body, Inc. of Sacramento, California. Balanced Body says some companies imported exercise equipment and subassemblies that infringe on their patents. Who is Involved? Guangzhou Oasis, LLC, also known as trysauna.com, from Boulder, Colorado Shandong Tmax Machinery Technology Co., Ltd., China Shandong VOG Sports Products Co., Ltd., China Dezhou Bodi Fitness Equipment Co., Ltd., China Suzhou Selfcipline Sports Goods Co., Ltd., China A company called Ciga Pilates from Hong Kong was also named at first. The complaint against Ciga Pilates was later withdrawn. What Patents Are Claimed? Balanced Body claims some of these companies violated the Tariff Act of 1930. The patents involved are: Claims 1-15, 19-21, and 23-26 from U.S. Patent No. 8,721,511 The claim of U.S. Patent No. D659,205 The claim of U.S. Patent No. D659,208 Later, the investigation for some patent claims was ended. Only claim 1 and claim 19 of the ‘511 patent and the claims of the D’205 and D’208 patents remain. Investigation Status On April 9, 2025, five companies were found in default (not defending themselves). On April 16, 2025, some patent claims were removed from the investigation. Balanced Body asked for two types of orders: A General Exclusion Order (GEO), which would stop all imports of infringing products, from anyone. A Limited Exclusion Order (LEO), which would stop just those companies from importing. They also asked for a 100% bond on the value of any products imported during a Presidential review period. ALJ and Commission Decisions An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) issued a ruling on April 30, 2025. The ALJ granted some of Balanced Body’s motion. The ALJ found that VOG Sports, Dezhou, and Selfcipline violated claim 1 of the ‘511 patent and the D’208 patent. The ALJ said the domestic industry requirement was met. The ALJ also said there was strong evidence to support these findings. The ALJ said Balanced Body should get a General Exclusion Order (GEO) for claim 1 of the ‘511 patent and the D’208 patent, and a 100% bond. But, this relief was seen as premature because some issues were still open. On May 9, 2025, Balanced Body withdrew its request for a GEO on some other patent claims. This made the investigation ready to move forward to the “remedy phase.” On May 12, 2025, the ALJ supported issuing a GEO for claim 1 of the ‘511 patent and the D’208 patent, along with a 100% bond. No company requested a review of the ALJ’s initial determination. The Commission voted on May 30, 2025, not to review the decision. Next Steps: Seeking Input The Commission may use its authority to issue orders that: Exclude the products from the U.S. Order companies to stop unfair acts in importing and selling the products. The USITC is asking parties and the public to send written comments. They want to know: What remedies should be ordered How any remedy could affect the public health and welfare How it could affect U.S. producers, consumers, and competition What the bond amount should be Balanced Body must provide: The remedy they want Draft remedial orders When the patents expire Importer details Product category information The deadline for submissions is June 13, 2025. Replies are due June 20, 2025. Extra details on submitting documents are included in the notice. Bond and Presidential Review If a remedy is put in place, a 60-day Presidential review follows. During this time, the products can still enter the U.S., but only under a set bond. Confidential Information Parties can ask for confidential treatment of their submissions. Redacted versions must be filed for public access. Authority The Commission’s authority is based on Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 and USITC rules. Contact and More Information Namo Kim, Esq., Office of the General Counsel, USITC, can be reached at (202) 205-3459 for questions. More information and documents are available at https://edis.usitc.gov. This notice was issued by Lisa Barton, Secretary to the Commission, on May 30, 2025. Legal Disclaimer This article includes content collected from the Federal Register (federalregister.gov). The content is not an official government publication. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.

U.S. International Trade Commission Updates Investigation into Glow Fish Tape and Safety Helmet Systems Estimated reading time: 3–5 minutes The U.S. International Trade Commission has made a new announcement about an ongoing investigation. This investigation is called Investigation No. 337-TA-1442. It concerns certain glow fish tape systems, safety helmet systems, and their parts. The Commission said it will not review an important decision made by the Chief Administrative Law Judge (CALJ). This decision allowed Klein Tools, Inc., from Lincolnshire, Illinois, to make changes to its complaint. Now, Klein Tools can add new accusations about U.S. Patent No. 12,268,265 (the ‘265 patent). These new claims say that there is infringement of claims 1-4 of the ‘265 patent. This investigation first began on March 19, 2025. Klein Tools filed the complaint, saying that Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation, based in Brookfield, Wisconsin, was bringing products into the United States, or selling products in the United States, that violated several patents. The original complaint listed U.S. Patent Nos. 11,452,327; 11,713,209; and 12,187,573. Now, the complaint also includes the ‘265 patent, claims 1-4. The Commission’s notice said that there is a domestic industry connected to the products in question. The Office of Unfair Import Investigations is not taking part in this case. The CALJ gave permission to amend the complaint on May 1, 2025. The decision is called Order No. 6. Nobody asked for a review of this decision. The Commission officially stated that it will not review the CALJ’s decision. The investigation is now updated to include the new allegations concerning the ‘265 patent against Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation. The Commission made this determination on May 30, 2025. The legal authority for this decision comes from section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 and Part 210 of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure. This announcement was issued by Lisa Barton, Secretary to the Commission, on May 30, 2025. Legal Disclaimer This article includes content collected from the Federal Register (federalregister.gov). The content is not an official government publication. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.

U.S. Trade Commission Issues Orders in Thyroid Drug Case Estimated reading time: 5 minutes On June 4, 2025, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) announced the results of Investigation No. 337-TA-1352. The investigation was over certain selective thyroid hormone receptor-beta agonists and related products. The ITC found that four companies in China broke Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. These companies are Ascletis Pharma Inc., Ascletis Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., Ascletis Bioscience Co., Ltd., and Gannex Pharma Co., Ltd. These four companies are called “Corporate Respondents” in the case. The ITC said these companies got and used trade secrets that belonged to Viking Therapeutics, Inc., which is based in San Diego, California. Viking was the “Complainant.” Viking said these companies used trade secrets to make and sell certain thyroid-related drugs in the United States. The ITC ordered a seven-year limited exclusion order (LEO) against the Corporate Respondents. That means the drugs and products involved cannot be brought into the United States by these companies for seven years, unless they have a license. The ITC also issued cease and desist orders (CDO) to each of the four companies. This means they must stop all actions that break the law regarding these products. The case started on February 9, 2023. The ITC looked into whether the companies’ actions hurt or stopped a U.S. company from growing. There was a hearing from November 13 to 16, 2023. The main judge, called the Chief Administrative Law Judge (Chief ALJ), found that the companies broke the law and said sanctions were needed. Sanctions mean punishment or penalties. The ITC also looked at the role of Dr. Jinzi Jason Wu, who works for the Corporate Respondents. The ITC decided not to find Dr. Wu personally at fault. Sanctions against Dr. Wu were dropped. Sanctions against the companies and their former lawyers, Rimon PC, were upheld. The ITC also set a bond during a review period. This bond is one hundred percent of the value of any covered items imported during the Presidential review. This means if the companies try to bring in these products during the review, they must pay a bond worth the product’s total value. No other public comments were received about this case. The ITC said the public interest does not stop them from giving these orders. The investigation is now finished. The orders and decisions were sent to the President and the United States Trade Representative on the same day they were made. The ITC voted on this decision on May 29, 2025. The legal authority for these actions comes from Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 and the Commission’s own rules. Lisa Barton, Secretary to the Commission, recorded this action. Reference: Federal Register Volume 90, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 4, 2025), Pages 23709-23711. Legal Disclaimer This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.

U.S. Opens Investigations on L-lysine Imports from China Estimated reading time: 2–3 minutes The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) has started preliminary phase investigations on L-lysine imports from China. These investigations are for antidumping and countervailing duties. The case numbers are 701-TA-767 and 731-TA-1750 (Preliminary). They are being done under the Tariff Act of 1930. The investigations will find out if U.S. industry is being hurt or threatened by L-lysine imports from China. The L-lysine is under the U.S. tariff code 2922.41.0090. The investigations began because of petitions filed on May 28, 2025. The petitions were made by the Lysine Fair Trade Coalition and its members. Members include Archer Daniels Midland Company (Decatur, Illinois), CJ Bio America, Inc. (Fort Dodge, Iowa), and Evonik Corporation (Blair, Nebraska). The petitions say that L-lysine from China is being sold below fair value and is supported by government subsidies. The Department of Commerce may extend the investigation time. But the USITC must reach a preliminary decision by July 14, 2025. The Commission’s views must be sent to the Department of Commerce by July 21, 2025. Anyone wanting to join as a party in the investigation, other than the petitioners, must file an entry of appearance within seven days after this notice is published in the Federal Register. Industrial users and representative consumer organizations can also join as parties. The Secretary of the Commission will make public and confidential service lists. These include the names and addresses of all parties and their representatives. Confidential information, called business proprietary information (BPI), will only be given to authorized applicants under a protective order. These applications must be made within seven days after this notice is published. A staff conference about the case will happen on June 18, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. Requests to appear at the conference must be emailed by noon, June 16, 2025. Email addresses for every participant must be included. Some guidance for witnesses joining by videoconference will be available on the Commission’s Public Calendar. The Secretary will accept only electronic filings for now. All filings must go through the Commission’s Electronic Document Information System (EDIS). Paper filings are not being accepted. Written briefs and arguments can be sent to the Commission by 5:15 p.m. on June 24, 2025. Written testimony and extra material for the June 18 conference must be filed by 4 p.m. on June 17, 2025. All documents must follow the Commission’s rules, including requirements for confidential business information. Every document filed must be sent to all other parties, as shown by the public or BPI service list. A certificate of service must be included. The Secretary will not accept filings without this. Anyone who gives information to the Commission during these investigations must certify that it is complete and accurate. The information may be used by the Commission, its staff, or other government employees for their duties. All contract personnel must sign a nondisclosure agreement. These investigations are being held under title VII of the Tariff Act of 1930, and this notice follows section 207.12 of the Commission’s rules. This notice was issued by Lisa Barton, Secretary to the Commission, on May 29, 2025. Legal Disclaimer This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.

U.S. International Trade Commission Begins Five-Year Review of Collated Steel Staples from China Estimated reading time: 4-5 minutes The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) has started reviews to decide if ending the antidumping and countervailing duty orders on certain collated steel staples from China would likely cause harm to American industry again. Key Dates The review officially began on June 2, 2025. Anyone wanting to respond must do so by July 2, 2025. Comments about the responses can be sent until August 13, 2025. Background On July 20, 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce put in place duties on collated steel staples from China. The USITC now needs to review if these duties should stay. The decision will look at if removing the duties would likely cause injury to U.S. makers of these staples. Definitions in This Review Subject Merchandise: The kind of staples covered in the review. Subject Country: China. Domestic Like Product: Collated steel staples made in the U.S. Domestic Industry: All U.S. makers of these staples. Order Date: July 20, 2020. Importer: Any person or company that brings these staples from China to the U.S. How to Participate People or groups, like companies that use these staples, can join as parties in this review. They need to file an entry of appearance within 21 days after this notice is published. A public list of all parties will be made. Former Commission Employees Past USITC workers can appear in this review, even if they worked on past reviews or investigations about the same products. More information is available from the Office of the General Counsel. Business Proprietary Information Certain business information can be shared under a special protective order. Only approved people will get access. Applications for this must be made within 21 days. Submitting Information Each response must be certified as accurate and complete. Information given can be used by USITC employees and, when needed, for cybersecurity by U.S. government workers. Name, address, website, and contact details. How the company is an interested party. If the company is willing to participate. What effect removing the duties might have. A list of current U.S. producers of the staples. A list of current U.S. importers and Chinese producers/exporters of these staples. Names and contacts for key U.S. buyers. Information sources on prices. Detailed operation data for 2024 if a U.S. producer. Similar data if a U.S. importer or group. Export and production data from Chinese producers or groups. Notes on any big changes in supply or demand since July 2020. (Optional) Comments on product and industry definitions. Forms and further instructions are available on the USITC website. Filing Procedures All information must be sent electronically using USITC’s EDIS system. Paper filings are not accepted at this time. The OMB number for this request is 3117 0016/USITC No. 25-5-638. If a company cannot provide information in the exact form asked, they should tell the Commission as soon as possible and give reasons. If a company does not respond properly, the Commission might use the information in a way that is unfavorable to that company. Contact Information For more details, contact Alec Resch at the Office of Investigations (202-708-1448). Authority This review is conducted under Title VII of the Tariff Act of 1930. Issued by: Lisa Barton, Secretary to the Commission Issued May 27, 2025. Legal Disclaimer This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.

U.S. Government Starts Review of Manganese Dioxide Orders from China Estimated reading time: 1–5 minutes The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) announced the start of a new review on June 2, 2025. The review will decide if removing the current rules on electrolytic manganese dioxide from China could hurt U.S. companies again. Electrolytic manganese dioxide is a chemical used in products like batteries. Since 2008, the U.S. has had an antidumping duty order on this product from China. The Department of Commerce put this order in place on October 7, 2008. The U.S. already did two reviews—in 2015 and 2020—and decided both times to keep the order. Now, this is the third five-year review. The review follows rules in the Tariff Act of 1930. The USITC wants to know if ending the order would likely lead to harm for companies in the United States. They are asking interested parties to send information by July 2, 2025. People can also send comments about if responses are strong enough by August 13, 2025. Who Should Respond The USITC says interested parties can include U.S. producers, unions, importers, foreign producers, exporters, and trade groups. Those wanting to join the proceeding as a party must file an entry of appearance within 21 days after the notice was published in the Federal Register. Companies and individuals can look at case records online through the USITC’s electronic document system. They can also find more information on the agency website. Information Needed The USITC is asking for detailed information. This includes: Names and addresses of businesses. Whether the company or person is an interested party under the law. Whether the company will give information for the review. Predictions about what will happen to U.S. companies if the order ends. Lists of U.S. producers, U.S. importers, and foreign companies making or shipping electrolytic manganese dioxide. Names of top buyers in the U.S. Where to get U.S. or world price data for the product. Details of production and sales for the last year. Lists of changes in markets or conditions since 2018 and what might change soon. The USITC provides a worksheet on its website to help parties organize responses. They must file electronically; paper submissions are currently not accepted. Guidelines for Submissions All information must be certified as true and complete. Private business information will only be shared with those who sign special confidentiality agreements. If a party cannot provide some information, it must explain why and try to offer other data. If parties do not respond fully, the Commission may decide the case using facts against the non-responding party. Review Timeline and Authority Key deadlines are: July 2, 2025 – deadline for initial responses. August 13, 2025 – deadline for comments on responses. The USITC acts under the authority of the Tariff Act of 1930 and its own rules. The agency will decide if a full or quick review is needed, based on the responses. Their final decision could affect duties on Chinese electrolytic manganese dioxide for years to come. For more questions, the Commission contact is Laurel Schwartz at the USITC, and further materials are available on their website. The review started on June 2, 2025, and was announced by Lisa Barton, Secretary to the Commission. Legal Disclaimer This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.

USITC Starts Five-Year Review of Duties on Lightweight Thermal Paper from China Estimated reading time: 5–10 minutes The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) has announced the start of its third five-year review of the antidumping and countervailing duty orders on lightweight thermal paper from China. The review will decide if removing these trade duties would likely continue or cause new harm to American industry. The review began on June 2, 2025. Parties interested in this case must send their responses to the Commission by July 2, 2025. People can leave comments about the responses by August 13, 2025. All filings must be electronic, using the Commission’s Electronic Document Information System (EDIS). The USITC is following section 751(c) of the Tariff Act of 1930 for this review. Earlier, the Department of Commerce issued these duty orders on November 24, 2008. The duties were continued in January 2015 and July 2020 after earlier five-year reviews. This new review checks if revoking these orders would hurt U.S. producers of lightweight thermal paper in the near future. “Subject Merchandise” in this review means lightweight thermal paper from China. The “Domestic Like Product” is thermal paper made in the U.S., while the “Domestic Industry” covers all U.S. companies making this kind of paper. “Importers” bring this paper into the U.S. from China. Anyone wishing to participate must file an entry of appearance within 21 days after the notice date. The rules also explain how business confidential information will be handled, who may access it, and how the information must be certified. Responses to the USITC must include detailed information. Each company or group responding should provide: Name, address, and contact information. Whether they are an “interested party” like a U.S. producer, importer, exporter, or association. Willingness to give information. What effects would follow if the duties were revoked. Lists of U.S. producers, importers, and Chinese producers and exporters. Major purchasers in the U.S. Price sources for these products. U.S. producers need to give information about their 2024 production, sales, and financial results. U.S. importers and Chinese exporters must also give trade and sales data for 2024. The USITC wants to know about any big changes in how and where this paper is made and sold after 2018, and if any big changes are likely soon. Anyone who cannot provide the requested information must notify the Commission right away and explain why. Additional rules are given about who may participate, disclosures, certification, how to file electronically, and accuracy of information, as well as time limits. This proceeding is under Title VII of the Tariff Act of 1930 and Sec. 207.61 of the Commission’s rules. This notice was issued by Lisa Barton, Secretary to the Commission, on May 27, 2025. The full record and further information are available at the USITC’s official website. Legal Disclaimer This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.

US International Trade Commission Starts Five-Year Review of Calcium Hypochlorite Orders on China Estimated reading time: 4–6 minutes The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) has started new five-year reviews of the antidumping and countervailing duty orders on calcium hypochlorite from China. These reviews are required by law and will decide if canceling the orders would cause injury to US industry. The orders were first put in place on January 30, 2015. They were continued once before in 2020. Now, as of June 2, 2025, the second review is happening. All interested parties must send information to the USITC by July 2, 2025, to be considered. Comments on how good the responses are can be sent by August 13, 2025. Anyone wanting more information can contact Jesse Sanchez at the USITC’s Office of Investigations. General information about the USITC is available at https://www.usitc.gov and case records can be seen at https://edis.usitc.gov. Details About the Review The reviews are about calcium hypochlorite from China. The USITC wants to know if ending the orders would hurt the US industry soon. The rules for this review are in 19 CFR parts 201 and 207. The “Subject Merchandise” is calcium hypochlorite from China. The “Domestic Like Product” is US-made calcium hypochlorite. The “Domestic Industry” is all US producers of that product. Companies who only convert, not make, calcium hypochlorite are not counted as US producers for this review. How to Participate People or groups, such as industrial users or consumer groups, who want to be part of the review must file an entry of appearance within 21 days after June 2, 2025. The USITC keeps a public list of all parties. Old Commission members can take part in these reviews even if they worked on past cases about the same matter, according to federal rules. Some information must be protected as business proprietary. Those wanting access must apply for an administrative protective order within 21 days after June 2, 2025. Any party giving the USITC information must certify it is correct to the best of their knowledge. Information may be shared within the government for official use and for cybersecurity. Sending Written Submissions Responses on the review must be sent by 5:15 p.m. on July 2, 2025. Comments on the adequacy of responses must be sent by 5:15 p.m. on August 13, 2025. All files must meet USITC rules, and confidential data requirements if needed. Details are available at https://www.usitc.gov/documents/handbook_on_filing_procedures.pdf. All filings must be made online at https://edis.usitc.gov. No in-person or paper filings are accepted at this time. Each response should include: Name, address, web address, and contact details for the firm or entity. Whether the firm is an interested party under the law, and how it qualifies. Willingness to provide more information to the Commission. The likely effects of ending the orders on the US industry and their own business. A list of currently operating US producers of calcium hypochlorite. A list of all US importers and Chinese producers or exporters of the product since 2018. A list of 3-5 major buyers in the US for this product. Sources of price information for the product. For US producers: 2024 data on production, capacity, shipments, sales, costs, profits, and more. For US importers: 2024 data on import volumes and sales, both with and without duties. For Chinese producers/exporters: Data on production, capacity, and exports to the US for 2024. Information on changes in supply or demand since 2018, or any likely soon. If a party cannot provide the requested information, they must notify the USITC as soon as possible and explain why. If not, the Commission may make decisions based on the available facts. Extra Notes Agreement or disagreement with the Commission’s definitions of Domestic Like Product and Domestic Industry can also be submitted, with reasons and alternatives if desired. Authority for this review comes from Title VII of the Tariff Act of 1930. Issued By Lisa Barton Secretary to the Commission Order dated May 27, 2025 Federal Register Doc No. 2025-09830 Legal Disclaimer This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.

U.S. Sets Final Phase Schedule for Sol Gel Alumina-Based Ceramic Abrasive Grains Trade Investigations Estimated reading time: 3–5 minutes Summary of the Investigations The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has announced the final phase schedule for antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of sol gel alumina-based ceramic abrasive grains from China. The investigations are to decide if the U.S. industry is hurt, threatened, or slowed because of imports of these grains from China. The Department of Commerce has made a preliminary finding that Chinese producers and exporters get subsidies for these grains. These grains fall under subheading 2818.10.20 in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. Scope of the Investigations The subject of the investigations is “sol gel alumina-based ceramic abrasive grains.” They must have at least 94% aluminum oxide (Al2O3). These grains can have other compounds, like titanium dioxide, silicon dioxide, calcium oxide, sodium superoxide, ferric oxide, magnesium oxide, lanthanum oxide, and more. Grain sizes range from 0.85 mm to 0.0395 mm, equal to ANSI grit sizes from 20 to 280. The grains come in shapes like angular, sharp, blocky, splintery, round stripped, triangular, or extruded rods or stars. These grains have special crystal structures, with high hardness (16-22 gigapascals by the Vickers Diamond Indent Method), a high melting point (2050°C), and crystalline sizes from 0.05 to 30 micrometers. Their colors can be blue, white, white-translucent, or off-white opaque. The scope includes the grains themselves, whether or not they are in other articles, such as abrasive papers, grinding wheels, cylinders, or discs. Only the sol gel alumina-based ceramic abrasive grains part is covered when in a product. Background and Legal Process The investigations were requested by Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc. from Malvern, Pennsylvania, on November 25, 2024. The investigations are under sections 705(b) and 731(b) of the Tariff Act of 1930, using procedures from the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure. Participation and Public Information Anyone wishing to join as a party in these investigations must file an entry of appearance no later than 21 days before the hearing date. If someone already filed during the preliminary phase, they do not have to file again. The Commission is only accepting electronic filings. All documents must be filed through the Electronic Document Information System (EDIS) at https://edis.usitc.gov. No paper filings will be accepted. Business Proprietary Information (BPI) will be shared under an administrative protective order for authorized parties who apply no later than 21 days prior to the hearing. Key Dates in the Schedule Prehearing staff report (nonpublic): July 24, 2025. Public version to come out after. Prehearing briefs deadline: July 31, 2025. Hearing: August 7, 2025, starting at 9:30 a.m. Requests to appear at the hearing: Due by August 1, 2025. Prehearing conference (if needed): August 4, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. Hearing presentation slides and written testimony: Due by noon, August 6, 2025. Posthearing briefs: Due by August 14, 2025. Written statements from others (not party to investigations): Due by August 14, 2025. Release of information not yet commented on: August 27, 2025. Final comments by parties: Due by August 29, 2025. No new factual information allowed. Further Rules and Information All filings must follow the Commission’s rules (see www.usitc.gov/documents/handbook_on_filing_procedures.pdf). Any written materials containing BPI must conform with specific sections of the rules. Each document filed must be served on all parties and include a certificate of service. The hearing can include remote appearances if needed, with justification. The investigations are conducted under authority of Title VII of the Tariff Act of 1930. For questions, contact Keysha Martinez in the Office of Investigations at 202-205-2136. Authority and Publication This investigation is ordered by the Commission. The Secretary to the Commission is Lisa Barton. The notice is published in the Federal Register, Volume 90, Number 104, on June 2, 2025. Legal Disclaimer This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.

USITC Decides to Continue Duties on Vertical Metal File Cabinets from China Estimated reading time: 1–7 minutes On May 23, 2025, the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) made a decision about vertical metal file cabinets from China. The Commission reviewed the antidumping and countervailing duty orders on these cabinets. The review is part of Investigation Nos. 701-TA-623 and 731-TA-1449. The USITC checks every five years to see if removing the duties would harm American industries. The Commission found that if the orders were removed, American companies that make vertical metal file cabinets would likely be hurt again. The USITC looked at all the facts and made this decision under section 751(c) of the Tariff Act of 1930. These reviews began on November 1, 2025. The Commission decided on February 4, 2025, to do expedited reviews. They finished and filed their final decision on May 23, 2025. The results and the Commission’s full opinions are in USITC Publication 5629, titled “Vertical Metal File Cabinets from China: Investigation Nos. 701-TA-623 and 731-TA-1449 (Review).” Lisa Barton, Secretary to the Commission, issued the order. Legal Disclaimer This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.

U.S. Moves Forward with Trade Investigations on Molded Fiber Products from China and Vietnam Estimated reading time: 5–7 minutes On May 30, 2025, the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) announced important steps in its investigations on imports of thermoformed molded fiber products (TMFPs) from China and Vietnam. The USITC is working to decide if the U.S. industry is being harmed by these imported products. The investigations will look at whether TMFPs from China and Vietnam are being sold in the United States at below fair value and if they are being subsidized by their governments. The TMFPs include items like plates, bowls, trays, lids, food packaging, and other product packaging. These products are made from cellulose fibers and formed using heated molds. TMFPs can be any shape, size, color, or design. They can be made from any type of fiber, including recycled or natural fiber sources such as wood or agricultural by-products. They may also have extra treatments or features, like being heat resistant, water-resistant, or having special closures or designs. Some products are not included in this investigation. For example, products covered by other trade orders on paper plates from China, Thailand, and Vietnam are excluded. TMFPs used only as packaging for other products, such as molded fiber around a phone, are also excluded from this case. These investigations began after petitions were filed on October 8, 2024, by the American Molded Fiber Coalition, which includes two companies and a trade union. The final phase of the investigations is scheduled under the Tariff Act of 1930. The USITC and the Department of Commerce will review if TMFPs from the two countries are causing material injury to the U.S. market. The USITC has provided a detailed timeline: The prehearing staff report will be issued on September 11, 2025, with a public version to follow. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025. Requests to appear at the hearing must be filed by September 19, 2025. Written testimony and presentation slides are due by noon on September 24, 2025. Prehearing briefs must be filed by September 18, 2025. Posthearing briefs are due by October 2, 2025. The USITC will release more information to the parties on October 22, 2025, and final comments must be submitted by October 24, 2025. Anyone wanting to take part in these investigations, including companies who use TMFPs or groups who represent buyers, must file an entry of appearance with the USITC. Electronic filing is required, and no paper filings will be accepted for now. Business proprietary information (BPI) will be given to approved applicants under an administrative protective order. The USITC has rules for making these filings and handling confidential information. All parties involved must serve documents on one another and submit a certificate of service. Submissions that do not follow these rules will not be accepted. The USITC is conducting these investigations under Title VII of the Tariff Act of 1930. For more information and to view the public record, visit https://www.usitc.gov. Issued by order of the Commission on May 27, 2025. Lisa Barton, Secretary to the Commission. Legal Disclaimer This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.