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U.S. Sets Final Phase Schedule for Sol Gel Alumina-Based Ceramic Abrasive Grains Trade Investigations


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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.


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