core sector communique

U.S. BRASS MANUFACTURERS OBTAIN FAVORABLE SUNSET REVIEW IN ITC ANTIDUMPING DECISION

(Washington, D.C.) (March 21, 2012) – U.S. producers of brass sheet and strip are applauding the U.S. International Trade Commission’s determination today that revoking antidumping orders on imports of brass sheet and strip from France, Germany, Italy, and Japan would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of injury to the domestic industry. The votes were 6 – 0 as to Germany, Italy, and Japan and 5 – 1 as to France. The ITC’s determinations come on the heels of a Commerce Department finding that the foreign producers subject to the orders were likely to resume dumping at significant margins.

“This is a positive development for the U.S. producers of brass sheet and strip, which are very important components for a wide range of downstream products that are integral to the U.S. economy,” said David A. Hartquist, a partner at Kelley Drye & Warren LLP and counsel to the domestic brass sheet and strip industry in this matter. “Maintaining the orders against dumped brass sheet and strip from France, Germany, Italy, and Japan, and the market discipline that the orders provide, will allow the domestic producers to continue to compete in the U.S. market without the presence of unfair imports.”

The existing trade orders have been in place since the latter 1980s, and the five-year reviews were initiated on March 1, 2011. As a result of today’s votes, the orders will remain in place for an additional five years before another round of sunset reviews is undertaken.

Brass sheet and strip is used in electronics, automotive parts, apparel fasteners, cable wrap, eyelets, jewelry and other ornamentation, building and lock hardware, radiators, transportation equipment, coinage, medical devices, ammunition, telecommunications equipment, electronic terminals, household products, industrial machinery and equipment, stampers and component parts, and miscellaneous industrial applications. The U.S. brass producers and employee organizations, including Heyco Metals, Inc., Aurubis Buffalo, Inc., Olin Brass, PMX Industries, Inc., Revere Copper Products, Inc., and International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, United Auto Workers (Local 2367 and Local 1024), and United Steelworkers AFL-CIO CLC, were represented by Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, one of the largest and most highly regarded international trade and customs practices in the country.