[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 102 (Thursday, May 28, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 29250]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-14145]


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INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

[Investigations Nos. 731-TA-794-796 (Preliminary)]


Certain Emulsion Styrene-Butadiene Rubber From Brazil, Korea, and 
Mexico

Determinations

    On the basis of the record <SUP>1</SUP> developed in the subject 
investigations, the United States International Trade Commission 
determines, pursuant to section 733(a) of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 
U.S.C. Sec. 1673b(a)), that there is a reasonable indication that an 
industry in the United States is materially injured by reason of 
imports from Brazil, Korea, and Mexico of certain emulsion styrene-
butadiene rubber,<SUP>2</SUP> provided for in subheading 4002.19.00 of 
the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, that are alleged 
to be sold in the United States at less than fair value (LTFV).
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    \1\ The record is defined in sec. 207.2(f) of the Commission's 
Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR 207.2(f)).
    \2\  For purposes of these investigations, emulsion styrene-
butadiene rubber (ESBR) consists of a synthetic polymer made via 
free radical cold emulsion copolymerization of styrene and butadiene 
monomers in reactors. The reaction process involves combining 
styrene and butadiene monomers in water, with an initiator system, 
an emulsifier system, and molecular weight modifiers. ESBR consists 
of cold non-pigmented rubbers and cold oil-extended non-pigmented 
rubbers that contain at least one percent of organic acids from the 
emulsion polymerization process.
    ESBR is produced and sold, both inside the United States and 
internationally, in accordance with a generally accepted set of 
product specifications issued by the International Institute of 
Synthetic Rubber Producers (IISRP). The universe of products subject 
to these investigations consists of grades of ESBR included in the 
IISRP 1500 series and IISRP 1700 series of synthetic rubbers. The 
1500 grades are light in color and are often described as ``Clear'' 
or ``White Rubber.'' The 1700 grades are oil-extended and thus 
darker in color, and are often called ``Brown Rubber.'' Products 
manufactured by blending ESBR with other polymers, high styrene 
resin masterbatch, carbon black masterbatch (i.e., IISRP 1600 series 
and 1800 series), and latex (an intermediate product) are not 
included within the scope of these investigations.
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Commencement of Final Phase Investigations

    Pursuant to section 207.18 of the Commission's rules, the 
Commission also gives notice of the commencement of the final phase of 
its investigations. The Commission will issue a final phase notice of 
scheduling which will be published in the Federal Register as provided 
in section 207.21 of the Commission's rules upon notice from the 
Department of Commerce of affirmative preliminary determinations in the 
investigations under section 733(b) of the Act, or, if the preliminary 
determinations are negative, upon notice of affirmative final 
determinations in those investigations under section 735(a) of the Act. 
Parties that filed entries of appearance in the preliminary phase of 
the investigations need not enter a separate appearance for the final 
phase of the investigations. Industrial users, and, if the merchandise 
under investigation is sold at the retail level, representative 
consumer organizations have the right to appear as parties in 
Commission antidumping investigations. The Secretary will prepare a 
public service list containing the names and addresses of all persons, 
or their representatives, who are parties to the investigations.

Background

    On April 1, 1998, a petition was filed with the Commission and the 
Department of Commerce by Ameripol Synpol Corp. of Akron, OH, and DSM 
Copolymer of Baton Rouge, LA, alleging that an industry in the United 
States is materially injured or threatened with material injury by 
reason of LTFV imports of certain emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber 
from Brazil, Korea, and Mexico. Accordingly, effective April 1, the 
Commission instituted antidumping investigations Nos. 731-TA-794-796 
(Preliminary).
    Notice of the institution of the Commission's investigations and of 
a public conference to be held in connection therewith was given by 
posting copies of the notice in the Office of the Secretary, U.S. 
International Trade Commission, Washington, DC, and by publishing the 
notice in the Federal Register of April 9, 1998 (63 FR 17443). The 
conference was held in Washington, DC, on April 22, and all persons who 
requested the opportunity were permitted to appear in person or by 
counsel.
    The Commission transmitted its determinations in these 
investigations to the Secretary of Commerce on May 18, 1998. The views 
of the Commission are contained in USITC Publication 3108 (May 1998), 
entitled ``Certain Emulsion Styrene-Butadiene Rubber from Brazil, 
Korea, and Mexico: Investigations Nos. 731-TA-794-796 (Preliminary).''

    Issued: May 20, 1998.

    By order of the Commission.

Donna R. Koehnke,

    Secretary.
[FR Doc. 98-14145 Filed 5-27-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P