. / .WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/SG/N/8/USA/4
26 May 1999
(99-2105)
Committee on Safeguards Original:  English
NOTIFICATION UNDER ARTICLE 12.1(B) OF THE AGREEMENT ON
SAFEGUARDS ON FINDINGS  OF SERIOUS INJURY OR THREAT
 THEREOF CAUSED BY INCREASED IMPORTS
UNITED STATES
The following communication, dated 25 May 1999, has been received from the Permanent
Mission of the United States.
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Pursuant to Article 12.1(b) of the Agreement, and in light of the formats for notifications
adopted by the Committee (G/SG/W/1, 23 February 1995), the United States provides notification of
a findings of serious injury or threat thereof caused by increased imports of certain steel wire rod.
1. Evidence of serious injury or threat  thereof caused by increased imports
On 12 May 1999, the US International Trade Commission (USITC) concluded the first phase
of its investigation to determine whether increased imports of certain steel wire rod are a substantial
cause of serious injury, or threat thereof, to the domestic steel wire rod industry.  The USITC arrived
at a divided decision:  three Commissioners made a negative determination, and three Commissioners
determined that steel wire rod is being imported into  the United States in such increased quantities as
to be a substantial cause of serious injury or threat thereof to the domestic steel wire rod industry.  Of
the three Commissioners who voted in the affirma tive, one determined that such imports are a
substantial cause of the threat of serious injury, and two concluded these imports are a substantial
cause of serious injury to the domestic steel wire rod industry.  Since the Commission’s vote was
evenly divided both the negative and affirmative determinations, pursuant to US domestic law, the
findings will be forwarded to the  President, and he may consider either determination as the
Commission’s determination.
The USITC is now considering what action to recommend to the President that will address
the serious injury, or threat thereof, and be most  effective in facilitating the efforts of the domestic
steel wire rod industry to make a positive adjustme nt to import competition.  The USITC will forward
a report of its investigation and its recommendations to the President by 12 July 1999.  This reportwill contain the USITC's analysis and a summary of the information collected during the
investigation.  The United States will provide a c opy of this report, excluding confidential business
information, to the Committee shortly after it is submitted to the President.
2. Provide information on whether there is an absolute increase in imports or an increase
in imports relative to domestic production
The information regarding increased imports will be contained in the USITC report noted
in 1. above.G/SG/N/8/USA/4
Page 2
3. Provide a precise description of the product involved
Certain steel wire rod, provided for in subheadings 7213.91, 7213.99, 7227.20, and
7227.90.60 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.
4.-8
The report and recommendations described in paragraph 1. above are among the factors that
the President is statutorily obliged to consider in determining if a safeguard measure should be
imposed, the type of measure to be applied, and its period of application.  The President will therefore
take up the issue after receipt of the USITC report.
9.      Information relating to the extension of a safeguard measure
Not applicable.
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