83 FR 52386 - Mattresses From the People's Republic of China: Initiation of Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigation
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 201 (October 17, 2018)
International Trade Administration
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 201 (October 17, 2018)
| Page Range | 52386-52391 | |
| FR Document | 2018-22577 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 201 (Wednesday, October 17, 2018)] [Notices] [Pages 52386-52391] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-22577] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [A-570-092] Mattresses From the People's Republic of China: Initiation of Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigation AGENCY: Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. DATES: Applicable October 9, 2018. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen Bailey or Lilit Astvatsatrian at (202) 482-0193 or (202) 482-6412, respectively; AD/CVD Operations, Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Petition On September 18, 2018, the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) received an antidumping duty (AD) Petition concerning imports of mattresses from the People's Republic of China (China), filed in proper form on behalf of Corsicana Mattress Company, Elite Comfort Solutions, Future Foam Inc., FXI, Inc., Innocor, Inc., Kolcraft Enterprises Inc., Leggett & Platt, Incorporated, Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC, and Tempur Sealy International, Inc. (the petitioners).\1\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ See the petitioners' Letter, ``Mattresses from the People's Republic of China: Antidumping Duty Petition,'' dated September 18, 2018 (the Petition). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- On September 25, 2018, October 2, and October 5, 2018, the petitioners filed responses to a supplemental questionnaire issued by Commerce and a request for revisions to their surrogate financial ratio calculation and scope, respectively.\2\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \2\ See Commerce's Letter, ``Petition for the Imposition of Antidumping Duties on Imports of Mattresses from the People's Republic of China: Supplemental Questions,'' dated September 21, 2018; the petitioner's letter, ``Mattresses from the People's Republic of China: Response to the Department of Commerce's September 21, 2018 Supplemental Questions,'' dated September 25, 2018 (Petition Supplement); Memorandum, ``Phone Conversation Regarding Surrogate Financial Ratio Calculations,'' dated October 2, 2018; the petitioner's letter, ``Mattresses from the People's Republic of China: Request for Revised Normal Value and Dumping Margin Calculations,'' dated October 2, 2018 (Second Supplement) and the petitioner's letter, ``Mattresses from the People's Republic of China: Modification to Scope Language,'' dated October 5, 2018 (Scope Supplement). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 52387]] In accordance with section 732(b) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act), the petitioners allege that imports of mattresses from China are being, or are likely to be, sold in the United States at less than fair value within the meaning of section 731 of the Act, and that such imports are materially injuring, or threatening material injury to, the domestic industry producing mattresses in the United States. Consistent with section 732(b)(1) of the Act, the Petition is accompanied by information reasonably available to the petitioners supporting their allegation. Commerce finds that the petitioners filed the Petition on behalf of the domestic industry because the petitioners are interested parties as defined in section 771(9)(C) of the Act. Commerce also finds that the petitioners demonstrated sufficient industry support with respect to the initiation of the investigation that the petitioners are requesting.\3\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \3\ See the ``Determination of Industry Support for the Petition'' section, infra. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Period of Investigation Because China is a non-market economy (NME) country, pursuant to 19 CFR 351.204(b)(1), the period of investigation (POI) is January 1, 2018, through June 30, 2018. Scope of the Investigation The product covered by this investigation is mattresses from China. For a full description of the scope of this investigation, see the Appendix to this notice. Scope Comments During our review of the Petition, we contacted the petitioners regarding the proposed scope to ensure that the scope language in the Petition is an accurate reflection of the products for which the domestic industry is seeking relief.\4\ As a result, the scope of the Petition was modified to clarify the description of merchandise covered by the Petition. The description of the merchandise covered by this investigation, in the Appendix to this notice, reflects these clarifications. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \4\ See Petition Supplement at 3-5 and Scope Supplement at 1-3. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- As discussed in the preamble to Commerce's regulations, we are setting aside a period for interested parties to raise issues regarding product coverage (scope).\5\ Commerce will consider all scope comments received from interested parties and, if necessary, will consult with interested parties prior to the issuance of the preliminary determination. If scope comments include factual information,\6\ all such factual information should be limited to public information. To facilitate preparation of the AD questionnaire, Commerce requests that all interested parties submit scope comments by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on October 29, 2018, which is 20 calendar days from the signature date of this notice. Any rebuttal comments, which may include factual information, must be filed by 5:00 p.m. ET on November 8, 2018, which is 10 calendar days from the initial comments deadline.\7\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \5\ See Antidumping Duties; Countervailing Duties, Final Rule, 62 FR 27296, 27323 (May 19, 1997). \6\ See 19 CFR 351.102(b)(21) (defining ``factual information''). \7\ See 19 CFR 351.303(b). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Commerce requests that any factual information considered by parties to be relevant to the scope of the investigation be submitted during this period. However, if a party subsequently finds that additional factual information pertaining to the scope of the investigation may be relevant, the party may contact Commerce and request permission to submit the additional information. All such submissions must be filed on the record of the AD investigation. Filing Requirements All submissions to Commerce must be filed electronically using Enforcement and Compliance's Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty Centralized Electronic Service System (ACCESS).\8\ An electronically filed document must be received successfully in its entirety by the time and date that it is due. Documents exempted from the electronic submission requirements must be filed manually (i.e., in paper form) with Enforcement and Compliance's APO/Dockets Unit, Room 18022, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230, and stamped with the date and time of receipt by the applicable deadlines. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \8\ See Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Proceedings: Electronic Filing Procedures; Administrative Protective Order Procedures, 76 FR 39263 (July 6, 2011); see also Enforcement and Compliance; Change of Electronic Filing System Name, 79 FR 69046 (November 20, 2014) for details of Commerce's electronic filing requirements, effective August 5, 2011. Information on help using ACCESS can be found at https://access.trade.gov/help.aspx and a handbook can be found at https://access.trade.gov/help/Handbook%20on%20Electronic%20Filling%20Procedures.pdf. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Comments on Product Characteristics Commerce is providing interested parties an opportunity to comment on the appropriate physical characteristics of mattresses to be reported in response to Commerce's AD questionnaire. This information will be used to identify the key physical characteristics of the merchandise under consideration in order to report the relevant factors of production (FOP) accurately, as well as to develop appropriate product-comparison criteria. Interested parties may provide any information or comments that they feel are relevant to the development of an accurate list of physical characteristics. In order to consider the suggestions of interested parties in developing and issuing the AD questionnaire, all product characteristics comments must be filed by 5:00 p.m. ET on October 29, 2018, which is 20 calendar days from the signature date of this notice. Any rebuttal comments must be filed by 5:00 p.m. ET on November 8, 2018. All comments and submissions to Commerce must be filed electronically on the record of this investigation using ACCESS, as explained above.\9\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \9\ See 19 CFR 351.303(b). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Determination of Industry Support for the Petition Section 732(b)(1) of the Act requires that a petition be filed on behalf of the domestic industry. Section 732(c)(4)(A) of the Act provides that a petition meets this requirement if the domestic producers or workers who support the petition account for: (i) At least 25 percent of the total production of the domestic like product; and (ii) more than 50 percent of the production of the domestic like product produced by that portion of the industry expressing support for, or opposition to, the petition. Moreover, section 732(c)(4)(D) of the Act provides that, if the petition does not establish support of domestic producers or workers accounting for more than 50 percent of the total production of the domestic like product, Commerce shall: (i) Poll the industry or rely on other information in order to determine if there is support for the petition, as required by subparagraph (A); or (ii) if there is a large number of producers in the industry, determine industry support using a statistically valid sampling method to poll the ``industry.'' [[Page 52388]] Section 771(4)(A) of the Act defines the ``industry'' as the producers, as a whole, of a domestic like product. Thus, to determine whether a petition has the requisite industry support, the statute directs Commerce to look to producers and workers who produce the domestic like product. The International Trade Commission (ITC), which is responsible for determining whether ``the domestic industry'' has been injured, must also determine what constitutes a domestic like product in order to define the industry. While both Commerce and the ITC must apply the same statutory definition regarding the domestic like product,\10\ they do so for different purposes and pursuant to a separate and distinct authority. In addition, Commerce's determination is subject to limitations of time and information. Although this may result in different definitions of the like product, such differences do not render the decision of either agency contrary to law.\11\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \10\ See section 771(10) of the Act. \11\ See USEC, Inc. v. United States, 132 F. Supp. 2d 1, 8 (CIT 2001) (citing Algoma Steel Corp., Ltd. v. United States, 688 F. Supp. 639, 644 (CIT 1988), aff'd 865 F.2d 240 (Fed. Cir. 1989)). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Section 771(10) of the Act defines the domestic like product as ``a product which is like, or in the absence of like, most similar in characteristics and uses with, the article subject to an investigation under this title.'' Thus, the reference point from which the domestic like product analysis begins is ``the article subject to an investigation'' (i.e., the class or kind of merchandise to be investigated, which normally will be the scope as defined in the Petition). With regard to the domestic like product, the petitioners do not offer a definition of the domestic like product distinct from the scope of the Petition. Based on our analysis of the information submitted on the record, we have determined that mattresses, as defined in the scope, constitute a single domestic like product, and we have analyzed industry support in terms of that domestic like product.\12\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \12\ For a discussion of the domestic like product analysis, see Antidumping Duty Investigation Initiation Checklist: Mattresses from the People's Republic of China (China AD Initiation Checklist) at Attachment II, Analysis of Industry Support for the Antidumping Duty Petition Covering Mattresses from the People's Republic of China (Attachment II). This checklist is dated concurrently with, and hereby adopted by, this notice and is on file electronically via ACCESS. Access to documents filed via ACCESS is also available in the Central Records Unit, Room B8024 of the main Department of Commerce building. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- In determining whether the petitioners have standing under section 732(c)(4)(A) of the Act, we considered the industry support data contained in the Petition with reference to the domestic like product as defined in the ``Scope of the Investigation,'' in the Appendix to this notice. To establish industry support, the petitioners provided their own shipments of the domestic like product in 2017, and compared this to the estimated total shipments of the domestic like product for the entire domestic industry.\13\ Because total industry production data for the domestic like product for 2017 are not reasonably available to the petitioners, and the petitioners have established that shipments are a reasonable proxy for production data,\14\ we have relied on the data the petitioners provided for purposes of measuring industry support.\15\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \13\ See Petition Supplement at 8-10 and Exhibits 3 through 6. \14\ See Volume I of the Petition at 5. \15\ Id. at 5; see also Volume II of the Petition at Exhibits 3 and 16; see also Petition Supplement at 8-10 and Exhibits 3 through 6. For further discussion, see China AD Initiation Checklist at Attachment II. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our review of the data provided in the Petition, the Petition Supplement, and other information readily available to Commerce indicates that the petitioners have established industry support for the Petition.\16\ First, the petitioners established support from domestic producers (or workers) accounting for more than 50 percent of the total production of the domestic like product and, as such, Commerce is not required to take further action in order to evaluate industry support (e.g., polling).\17\ Second, the domestic producers (or workers) have met the statutory criteria for industry support under section 732(c)(4)(A)(i) of the Act because the domestic producers (or workers) who support the Petition account for at least 25 percent of the total production of the domestic like product.\18\ Finally, the domestic producers (or workers) have met the statutory criteria for industry support under section 732(c)(4)(A)(ii) of the Act because the domestic producers (or workers) who support the Petition account for more than 50 percent of the production of the domestic like product produced by that portion of the industry expressing support for, or opposition to, the Petition.\19\ Accordingly, Commerce determines that the Petition was filed on behalf of the domestic industry within the meaning of section 732(b)(1) of the Act. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \16\ See China AD Initiation Checklist at Attachment II. \17\ See section 732(c)(4)(D) of the Act; see also China AD Initiation Checklist at Attachment II. \18\ See China AD Initiation Checklist at Attachment II. \19\ Id. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Commerce finds that the petitioners filed the Petition on behalf of the domestic industry because they are interested parties as defined in section 771(9)(C) of the Act, and they have demonstrated sufficient industry support with respect to the investigation that they are requesting that Commerce initiate.\20\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \20\ Id. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Allegations and Evidence of Material Injury and Causation The petitioners allege that the U.S. industry producing the domestic like product is being materially injured, or is threatened with material injury, by reason of the imports of the subject merchandise sold at less than normal value (NV). In addition, the petitioners allege that subject imports exceed the negligibility threshold provided for under section 771(24)(A) of the Act.\21\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \21\ See Volume I of the Petition at 16; see also Volume II of the Petition at Exhibit 10. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The petitioners contend that the industry's injured condition is illustrated by a significant and increasing volume of subject imports, reduced market share, underselling and price depression or suppression, lost sales and revenues, and declines in the domestic industry's production, U.S. shipments, production-related workers, and financial performance.\22\ We have assessed the allegations and supporting evidence regarding material injury, threat of material injury, and causation, and we have determined that these allegations are properly supported by adequate evidence, and meet the statutory requirements for initiation.\23\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \22\ See Volume I of the Petition at 1-3, 13, 16-31, see also Volume II of the Petition at Exhibits 3 and 10 through 20. \23\ See China AD Initiation Checklist at Attachment III, Analysis of Allegations and Evidence of Material Injury and Causation for the Antidumping Duty Petition Covering Mattresses from the People's Republic of China. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Allegations of Sales at Less Than Fair Value The following is a description of the allegations of sales at less than fair value upon which Commerce based its decision to initiate this investigation. The sources of U.S. prices and data relating to NV are discussed in greater detail in the China AD Initiation Checklist. Export Price The petitioners based export price (EP) on an actual invoice price for mattresses produced in, and exported from, China and sold or offered for sale in the United States, and on the average unit value (AUV) of publicly available [[Page 52389]] import data.\24\ No adjustments were made to the U.S. prices before comparing them to NV.\25\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \24\ See China AD Initiation Checklist. \25\ Id. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Normal Value Commerce considers China to be an NME country.\26\ In accordance with section 771(18)(C)(i) of the Act, any determination that a foreign country is an NME country shall remain in effect until revoked by Commerce. Therefore, we are continuing to treat China as an NME country for purposes of initiating this investigation. Accordingly, NV in China is appropriately based on FOPs valued in a surrogate market economy country, in accordance with section 773(c) of the Act.\27\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \26\ See Antidumping Duty Investigation of Certain Aluminum Foil from the People's Republic of China: Affirmative Preliminary Determination of Sales at Less-Than-Fair Value and Postponement of Final Determination, 82 FR 50858, 50861 (November 2, 2017), and accompanying decision memorandum, titled China's Status as a Non- Market Economy (unchanged in Certain Aluminum Foil from the People's Republic of China: Final Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value, 83 FR 9282 (March 5, 2018)). \27\ See China AD Initiation Checklist. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The petitioners claim that Mexico is an appropriate surrogate country for China because it is a market economy country that is at a level of economic development comparable to that of China and it is a significant producer of comparable merchandise.\28\ The petitioners provided publicly available information from Mexico, including financial statements of a Mexican producer of mattresses, to value all FOPs.\29\ Based on the information provided by the petitioners, we determine that it is appropriate to use Mexico as the primary surrogate country for initiation purposes. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \28\ See Volume II of the Petition at 32-34 and Exhibits 24. \29\ Id. at 34-36 and Exhibits 26-30. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interested parties will have the opportunity to submit comments regarding surrogate country selection and, pursuant to 19 CFR 351.301(c)(3)(i), will be provided an opportunity to submit publicly available information to value FOPs within 30 days before the scheduled date of the preliminary determination. FOPs The petitioners asserted that information regarding the types and volumes of inputs that are consumed by Chinese companies in producing mattresses is not reasonably available to them; thus, the petitioners used the consumption rates of a U.S. mattress producer to estimate the Chinese manufacturers' FOPs.\30\ The petitioners valued the estimated FOPs using surrogate values from Mexico, as noted above.\31\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \30\ See Volume II of the Petition at 34-36 and Exhibit 26 and Petition Supplement at 13-15 and Exhibit 3. \31\ Id. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fair Value Comparisons Based on the data provided by the petitioners, there is reason to believe that imports of mattresses from China are being, or are likely to be, sold in the United States at less than fair value. Based on comparisons of EP to NV in accordance with sections 772 and 773 of the Act, the estimated dumping margins for mattresses from China are 258.74 and 1,731.75 percent.\32\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \32\ See China AD Initiation Checklist. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Initiation of Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigation Based upon the examination of the Petition, we find that the Petition meets the requirements of section 732 of the Act. Therefore, we are initiating an AD investigation to determine whether imports of mattresses from China are being, or are likely to be, sold in the United States at less than fair value. In accordance with section 733(b)(1)(A) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.205(b)(1), unless postponed, we will make our preliminary determination no later than 140 days after the date of this initiation. Respondent Selection The petitioners named 55 producers/exporters as accounting for the majority of exports of mattresses to the United States from China.\33\ In accordance with our standard practice for respondent selection in AD cases involving NME countries, we intend to issue quantity and value (Q&V) questionnaires to producers/exporters of merchandise subject to this investigation. In the event Commerce determines that it cannot individually examine each producer/exporter, where appropriate, Commerce intends to select mandatory respondents based on the responses received to its Q&V questionnaire. Commerce will request Q&V information from known exporters and producers identified with complete contact information in the Petition. In addition, Commerce will post the Q&V questionnaire along with filing instructions on Enforcement and Compliance's website at http://www.trade.gov/enforcement/news.asp. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \33\ See Volume I of the Petition at Exhibit I-6; see also Petition Supplement at 1 and Exhibit 1. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Producers/exporters of mattresses from China that do not receive Q&V questionnaires by mail may still submit a response to the Q&V questionnaire and can obtain a copy of the Q&V questionnaire from Enforcement & Compliance's website. The Q&V questionnaire response must be submitted by the relevant Chinese exporters/producers no later than 5:00 p.m. ET on October 23, 2018, which is two weeks from the signature date of this notice. All Q&V questionnaire responses must be filed electronically via ACCESS. Separate Rates In order to obtain separate-rate status in an NME investigation, companies must submit a separate-rate application.\34\ The specific requirements for submitting a separate-rate application in this investigation are outlined in detail in the application itself, which is available on Commerce's website at http://enforcement.trade.gov/nme/nme-sep-rate.html. The separate-rate application will be due 30 days after publication of this initiation notice.\35\ Companies that submit a separate-rate application and have been selected as mandatory respondents will be eligible for consideration for separate-rate status only if they respond to all parts of Commerce's AD questionnaire as mandatory respondents. Commerce requires that companies from China submit a response to both the Q&V questionnaire and the separate-rate application by the respective deadlines in order to receive consideration for separate-rate status. Companies not filing a timely Q&V questionnaire response will not receive separate-rate consideration. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \34\ See Policy Bulletin 05.1: Separate-Rates Practice and Application of Combination Rates in Antidumping Investigation involving Non-Market Economy Countries (April 5, 2005), available at http://enforcement.trade.gov/policy/bull05-1.pdf (Policy Bulletin 05.1). \35\ Although in past investigations this deadline was 60 days, consistent with 19 CFR 351.301(a), which states that ``the Secretary may request any person to submit factual information at any time during a proceeding,'' this deadline is now 30 days. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Use of Combination Rates Commerce will calculate combination rates for respondents that are eligible for a separate rate in an NME investigation. The Separate Rates and Combination Rates Bulletin states: {w{time} hile continuing the practice of assigning separate rates only to exporters, all separate rates that the Department will now assign in its NME Investigation will be specific to those producers that supplied the exporter during the period of investigation. Note, however, that one rate is calculated for the exporter and all of the producers which supplied subject merchandise to it during the period of investigation. This practice applies both to mandatory respondents receiving an individually calculated separate rate as well [[Page 52390]] as the pool of non-investigated firms receiving the weighted-average of the individually calculated rates. This practice is referred to as the application of ``combination rates'' because such rates apply to specific combinations of exporters and one or more producers. The cash-deposit rate assigned to an exporter will apply only to merchandise both exported by the firm in question and produced by a firm that supplied the exporter during the period of investigation.\36\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \36\ See Policy Bulletin 05.1 at 6 (emphasis in original). Distribution of Copies of the Petition In accordance with section 732(b)(3)(A) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.202(f), a copy of the public version of the Petition has been provided to the government of China via ACCESS. To the extent practicable, we will attempt to provide a copy of the public version of the Petition to each exporter named in the Petition, as provided under 19 CFR 351.203(c)(2). ITC Notification We will notify the ITC of Commerce's initiation, as required by section 732(d) of the Act. Preliminary Determination by the ITC The ITC will preliminarily determine, within 45 days after the date on which the Petition was filed, whether there is a reasonable indication that imports of mattresses from China are materially injuring or threatening material injury to a U.S. industry.\37\ A negative ITC determination will result in the investigation being terminated.\38\ Otherwise, the investigation will proceed according to statutory and regulatory time limits. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \37\ See section 733(a) of the Act. \38\ Id. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Submission of Factual Information Factual information is defined in 19 CFR 351.102(b)(21) as: (i) Evidence submitted in response to questionnaires; (ii) evidence submitted in support of allegations; (iii) publicly available information to value factors under 19 CFR 351.408(c) or to measure the adequacy of remuneration under 19 CFR 351.511(a)(2); (iv) evidence placed on the record by Commerce; and (v) evidence other than factual information described in (i)-(iv). 19 CFR 351.301(b) requires any party, when submitting factual information, to specify under which subsection of 19 CFR 351.102(b)(21) the information is being submitted \39\ and, if the information is submitted to rebut, clarify, or correct factual information already on the record, to provide an explanation identifying the information already on the record that the factual information seeks to rebut, clarify, or correct.\40\ Time limits for the submission of factual information are addressed in 19 CFR 351.301, which provides specific time limits based on the type of factual information being submitted. Interested parties should review the regulations prior to submitting factual information in this investigation. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \39\ See 19 CFR 351.301(b). \40\ See 19 CFR 351.301(b)(2). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Extensions of Time Limits Parties may request an extension of time limits before the expiration of a time limit established under 19 CFR 351.301, or as otherwise specified by the Secretary. In general, an extension request will be considered untimely if it is filed after the expiration of the time limit established under 19 CFR 351.301. For submissions that are due from multiple parties simultaneously, an extension request will be considered untimely if it is filed after 10:00 a.m. ET on the due date. Under certain circumstances, we may elect to specify a different time limit by which extension requests will be considered untimely for submissions which are due from multiple parties simultaneously. In such a case, we will inform parties in a letter or memorandum of the deadline (including a specified time) by which extension requests must be filed to be considered timely. An extension request must be made in a separate, stand-alone submission; under limited circumstances we will grant untimely-filed requests for the extension of time limits. Parties should review Extension of Time Limits; Final Rule, 78 FR 57790 (September 20, 2013), available at http://www.thefederalregister.org/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-09-20/html/2013-22853.htm, prior to submitting extension requests in this investigation. Certification Requirements Any party submitting factual information in an AD or CVD proceeding must certify to the accuracy and completeness of that information.\41\ Parties must use the certification formats provided in 19 CFR 351.303(g).\42\ Commerce intends to reject factual submissions if the submitting party does not comply with the applicable certification requirements. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \41\ See section 782(b) of the Act. \42\ See also Certification of Factual Information to Import Administration During Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Proceedings, 78 FR 42678 (July 17, 2013) (Final Rule). Answers to frequently asked questions regarding the Final Rule are available at http://enforcement.trade.gov/tlei/notices/factual_info_final_rule_FAQ_07172013.pdf. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notification to Interested Parties Interested parties must submit applications for disclosure under APO in accordance with 19 CFR 351.305. On January 22, 2008, Commerce published Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Proceedings: Documents Submission Procedures; APO Procedures, 73 FR 3634 (January 22, 2008). Parties wishing to participate in this investigation should ensure that they meet the requirements of these procedures (e.g., the filing of letters of appearance as discussed at 19 CFR 351.103(d)). This notice is issued and published pursuant to sections 732(c)(2) and 777(i) of the Act, and 19 CFR 351.203(c). Dated: October 9, 2018. Gary Taverman, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Operations, performing the non-exclusive functions and duties of the Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance. Appendix Scope of the Investigation The scope of this investigation covers all types of youth and adult mattresses. The term ``mattress'' denotes an assembly of materials that at a minimum includes a ``core,'' which provides the main support system of the mattress, and may consist of innersprings, foam, other resilient filling, or a combination of these materials. Mattresses may also contain (1) ``upholstery,'' the material between the core and the top panel of the ticking on a single-sided mattress, or between the core and the top and bottom panel of the ticking on a double-sided mattress; and/or (2) ``ticking,'' the outermost layer of fabric or other material (e.g., vinyl) that encloses the core and any upholstery, also known as a cover. The scope of this investigation is restricted to only ``adult mattresses'' and ``youth mattresses.'' ``Adult mattresses'' have a width exceeding 35 inches, a length exceeding 72 inches, and a depth exceeding 3 inches on a nominal basis. Such mattresses are frequently described as ``twin,'' ``extra-long twin,'' ``full,'' ``queen,'' ``king,'' or ``California king'' mattresses. ``Youth mattresses'' have a width exceeding 27 inches, a length exceeding 51 inches, and a depth exceeding 1 inch (crib mattresses have a depth of 6 inches or less from edge to edge) on a nominal basis. Such mattresses are typically described as ``crib,'' ``toddler,'' or ``youth'' mattresses. All adult and youth mattresses are included regardless of actual size description. The scope encompasses all types of ``innerspring mattresses,'' ``non-innerspring mattresses,'' and ``hybrid mattresses.'' ``Innerspring mattresses'' contain innersprings, a series of metal springs joined together in sizes that correspond to the dimensions of mattresses. Mattresses that contain innersprings are referred to as ``innerspring mattresses'' or ``hybrid [[Page 52391]] mattresses.'' ``Hybrid mattresses'' contain two or more support systems as the core, such as layers of both memory foam and innerspring units. ``Non-innerspring mattresses'' are those that do not contain any innerspring units. They are generally produced from foams (e.g., polyurethane, memory (viscoelastic), latex foam, gel-infused viscoelastic (gel foam), thermobonded polyester, polyethylene) or other resilient filling. Mattresses covered by the scope of this investigation may be imported independently, as part of furniture or furniture mechanisms (e.g., convertible sofa bed mattresses, sofa bed mattresses imported with sofa bed mechanisms, corner group mattresses, day-bed mattresses, roll-away bed mattresses, high risers, trundle bed mattresses, crib mattresses), or as part of a set in combination with a ``mattress foundation.'' ``Mattress foundations'' are any base or support for a mattress. Mattress foundations are commonly referred to as ``foundations,'' ``boxsprings,'' ``platforms,'' and/ or ``bases.'' Bases can be static, foldable, or adjustable. Only the mattress is covered by the scope if imported as part of furniture, with furniture mechanisms, or as part of a set in combination with a mattress foundation. Excluded from the scope of this investigation are ``futon'' mattresses. A ``futon'' is a bi-fold frame made of wood, metal, or plastic material, or any combination thereof, that functions as both seating furniture (such as a couch, love seat, or sofa) and a bed. A ``futon mattress'' is a tufted mattress, where the top covering is secured to the bottom with thread that goes completely through the mattress from the top through to the bottom, and it does not contain innersprings or foam. A futon mattress is both the bed and seating surface for the futon. Also excluded from the scope are airbeds (including inflatable mattresses) and waterbeds, which consist of air- or liquid-filled bladders as the core or main support system of the mattress. Further, also excluded from the scope of this investigation are any products covered by the existing antidumping duty order on uncovered innerspring units. See Uncovered Innerspring Units from the People's Republic of China: Notice of Antidumping Duty Order, 74 FR 7661 (February 19, 2009). The products subject to this investigation are currently properly classifiable under Harmonized Tariff Schedule for the United States (HTSUS) subheadings: 9404.21.0010, 9404.21.0013, 9404.29.1005, 9404.29.1013, 9404.29.9085, and 9404.29.9087. Products subject to this investigation may also enter under HTSUS subheadings: 9404.21.0095, 9404.29.1095, 9404.29.9095, 9401.40.0000, and 9401.90.5081. Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the merchandise subject to this investigation is dispositive. [FR Doc. 2018-22577 Filed 10-16-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P
![52386 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 201 / Wednesday, October 17, 2018 / Notices
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The (D) 1 shall have appropriate expertise will be made by the Secretary of
Travel Promotion Act of 2009 (TPA) was and experience as an official of a state Commerce.
signed into law on March 4, 2010 and tourism office. 3. An affirmative statement that the
was amended in July 2010 and To be eligible for Board membership, applicant is a U.S. citizen and further,
December 2014. The TPA established individuals must have international is not required to register as a foreign
the Corporation for Travel Promotion travel and tourism marketing agent under the Foreign Agents
(the Corporation), as a non-profit experience, be a current or former chief Registration Act of 1938, as amended.
corporation charged with the executive officer, chief financial officer, Dated: October 12, 2018.
development and execution of a plan to or chief marketing officer or have held
Julie P. Heizer,
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Additional consideration will be given Deputy Director, National Travel and Tourism
interested in traveling to the United Office.
States; (B) identify and address to individuals who have experience
working in U.S. multinational entities [FR Doc. 2018–22580 Filed 10–16–18; 8:45 am]
perceptions regarding U.S. entry
policies; (C) maximize economic and with marketing budgets, and/or who are BILLING CODE 3510–DR–P
diplomatic benefits of travel to the audit committee financial experts as
United States through the use of various defined by the Securities and Exchange
Commission (in accordance with 15 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
promotional tools; (D) ensure that
international travel benefits all States U.S.C. 7265). Individuals must be U.S.
International Trade Administration
and the District of Columbia, and (E) citizens, and in addition, cannot be
identify opportunities to promote federally registered lobbyists or [A–570–092]
tourism to rural and urban areas registered as a foreign agent under the
Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, Mattresses From the People’s Republic
equally, including areas not
as amended. Those selected for the of China: Initiation of Less-Than-Fair-
traditionally visited by international
Board must be able to meet the time and Value Investigation
travelers.
The Corporation is governed by a effort commitments of the Board. AGENCY: Enforcement and Compliance,
Board of Directors, consisting of 11 Board members serve at the discretion
International Trade Administration,
members with knowledge of of the Secretary of Commerce (who may
Department of Commerce.
remove any member of the Board for
international travel promotion or DATES: Applicable October 9, 2018.
good cause). The terms of office of each
marketing, broadly representing various
member of the Board appointed by the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
regions of the United States. The TPA
Secretary shall be three (3) years. Board Stephen Bailey or Lilit Astvatsatrian at
directs the Secretary of Commerce (after
members can serve a maximum of two (202) 482–0193 or (202) 482–6412,
consultation with the Secretary of
consecutive full three-year terms. Board respectively; AD/CVD Operations,
Homeland Security and the Secretary of
members are not considered Federal Enforcement and Compliance,
State) to appoint the Board of Directors
government employees by virtue of their International Trade Administration,
for the Corporation.
service as a member of the Board and U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401
On July 19, 2018, the Department will receive no compensation from the Constitution Avenue NW, Washington,
published in the Federal Register a Federal government for their DC 20230.
‘‘Notice of an opportunity for travel and participation in Board activities. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
tourism industry leaders to apply for Members participating in Board
membership on the Board of Directors of meetings and events may be paid actual The Petition
the Corporation for Travel Promotion’’ travel expenses and per diem by the On September 18, 2018, the U.S.
(83 FR 34112), announcing membership Corporation when away from their usual Department of Commerce (Commerce)
opportunities on the Board of Directors places of residence. received an antidumping duty (AD)
of the Corporation for Travel Promotion. Individuals who want to be Petition concerning imports of
The application period closed on considered for appointment to the Board mattresses from the People’s Republic of
August 17, 2018. The Department is should submit the following China (China), filed in proper form on
now reopening the application period to information by the Friday, October 26, behalf of Corsicana Mattress Company,
solicit additional applications. This 2018 deadline to the address listed in Elite Comfort Solutions, Future Foam
notice supplements the notice of July the ADDRESSES section above: Inc., FXI, Inc., Innocor, Inc., Kolcraft
19, 2018. Interested parties who have 1. Name, title, and personal resume of Enterprises Inc., Leggett & Platt,
already applied in response to that the individual requesting consideration, Incorporated, Serta Simmons Bedding,
Federal Register notice do not need to including address, email address and LLC, and Tempur Sealy International,
re-apply. phone number. Inc. (the petitioners).1
At this time, the Department will be 2. A brief statement of why the person On September 25, 2018, October 2,
selecting four individuals with the should be considered for appointment and October 5, 2018, the petitioners
appropriate expertise and experience to the Board. This statement should also filed responses to a supplemental
from specific sectors of the travel and address the individual’s relevant questionnaire issued by Commerce and
tourism industry to serve on the Board international travel and tourism a request for revisions to their surrogate
as follows: marketing experience and audit financial ratio calculation and scope,
(A) 1 shall have appropriate expertise committee financial expertise, if any, respectively.2
and experience in the hotel and indicate clearly the sector or sectors
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES
accommodations sector; enumerated above in which the 1 See the petitioners’ Letter, ‘‘Mattresses from the
(B) 1 shall have appropriate expertise individual has the requisite expertise People’s Republic of China: Antidumping Duty
and experience as an official of a city and experience. Individuals who have Petition,’’ dated September 18, 2018 (the Petition).
2 See Commerce’s Letter, ‘‘Petition for the
convention and visitors’ bureau; the requisite expertise and experience in
Imposition of Antidumping Duties on Imports of
(C) 1 shall have appropriate expertise more than one sector can be appointed Mattresses from the People’s Republic of China:
and experience in the restaurant sector; for only one of those sectors. Supplemental Questions,’’ dated September 21,
and Appointments of members to the Board 2018; the petitioner’s letter, ‘‘Mattresses from the
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 201 / Wednesday, October 17, 2018 / Notices 52391
mattresses.’’ ‘‘Hybrid mattresses’’ contain two DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE when evaluating the application. If the
or more support systems as the core, such as requisite minimum number of
layers of both memory foam and innerspring International Trade Administration participants is not selected for a
units. particular mission by the recruitment
‘‘Non-innerspring mattresses’’ are those Announcement of July 2018 Approved deadline, the mission may be cancelled.
that do not contain any innerspring units. International Trade Administration Each applicant must also certify that
They are generally produced from foams Trade Missions the products and services it seeks to
(e.g., polyurethane, memory (viscoelastic), export through the mission are either
latex foam, gel-infused viscoelastic (gel AGENCY: International Trade
Administration, Department of produced in the United States, or, if not,
foam), thermobonded polyester,
Commerce. are marketed under the name of a U.S.
polyethylene) or other resilient filling.
Mattresses covered by the scope of this
firm and have at least fifty-one percent
SUMMARY: The United States Department
investigation may be imported U.S. content by value. In the case of a
of Commerce, International Trade
independently, as part of furniture or trade association or organization, the
Administration (ITA) is announcing two
furniture mechanisms (e.g., convertible sofa applicant must certify that, for each firm
upcoming trade missions that will be
bed mattresses, sofa bed mattresses imported or service provider to be represented by
recruited, organized, and implemented
with sofa bed mechanisms, corner group the association/organization, the
by ITA. These missions are:
mattresses, day-bed mattresses, roll-away bed products and/or services the
mattresses, high risers, trundle bed Trade Mission to India and Indo-Pacific represented firm or service provider
mattresses, crib mattresses), or as part of a set in Conjunction with Trade Winds seeks to export are either produced in
in combination with a ‘‘mattress foundation.’’ Indo-Pacific—May 6–13, 2019. the United States or, if not, marketed
‘‘Mattress foundations’’ are any base or Cybersecurity Business Development under the name of a U.S. firm and have
support for a mattress. Mattress foundations Mission to Denmark, Norway, and at least 51% U.S. content.
are commonly referred to as ‘‘foundations,’’ Sweden—September 23–27, 2019. A trade association/organization
‘‘boxsprings,’’ ‘‘platforms,’’ and/or ‘‘bases.’’ A summary of each mission is found applicant must certify to the above for
Bases can be static, foldable, or adjustable. below. Application information and all of the companies it seeks to represent
Only the mattress is covered by the scope if more detailed mission information, on the mission.
imported as part of furniture, with furniture
including the commercial setting and In addition, each applicant must:
mechanisms, or as part of a set in • Certify that the products and
sector information, can be found at the
combination with a mattress foundation.
Excluded from the scope of this trade mission website: http://export.gov/ services that it wishes to market through
investigation are ‘‘futon’’ mattresses. A trademissions. the mission would be in compliance
‘‘futon’’ is a bi-fold frame made of wood, For each mission, recruitment will be with U.S. export controls and
metal, or plastic material, or any combination conducted in an open and public regulations;
thereof, that functions as both seating manner, including publication in the • Certify that it has identified any
furniture (such as a couch, love seat, or sofa) Federal Register, posting on the matter pending before any bureau or
and a bed. A ‘‘futon mattress’’ is a tufted Commerce Department trade mission office in the Department of Commerce;
mattress, where the top covering is secured calendar (http://export.gov/ • Certify that it has identified any
to the bottom with thread that goes trademissions) and other internet pending litigation (including any
completely through the mattress from the top websites, press releases to general and administrative proceedings) to which it
through to the bottom, and it does not trade media, direct mail, broadcast fax, is a party that involves the Department
contain innersprings or foam. A futon notices by industry trade associations of Commerce; and
mattress is both the bed and seating surface and other multiplier groups, and • Sign and submit an agreement that
for the futon. publicity at industry meetings, it and its affiliates (1) have not and will
Also excluded from the scope are airbeds
symposia, conferences, and trade shows. not engage in the bribery of foreign
(including inflatable mattresses) and officials in connection with a
waterbeds, which consist of air- or liquid- DATES: Applicable October 17, 2018.
company’s/participant’s involvement in
filled bladders as the core or main support FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: this mission, and (2) maintain and
system of the mattress. Gemal Brangman, Trade Promotion enforce a policy that prohibits the
Further, also excluded from the scope of Programs, Industry and Analysis, bribery of foreign officials.
this investigation are any products covered International Trade Administration, In the case of a trade association/
by the existing antidumping duty order on U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401
uncovered innerspring units. See Uncovered
organization, the applicant must certify
Constitution Avenue NW, Washington that each firm or service provider to be
Innerspring Units from the People’s Republic DC 20230; telephone (202) 482–3773.
of China: Notice of Antidumping Duty Order, represented by the association/
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: organization can make the above
74 FR 7661 (February 19, 2009).
The products subject to this investigation The Following Conditions for certifications.
are currently properly classifiable under Participation Will Be Used for Each The Following Selection Criteria Will
Harmonized Tariff Schedule for the United Mission Be Used for Each Mission
States (HTSUS) subheadings: 9404.21.0010,
9404.21.0013, 9404.29.1005, 9404.29.1013, Applicants must submit a completed Targeted mission participants are U.S.
9404.29.9085, and 9404.29.9087. Products and signed mission application and firms, services providers and trade
subject to this investigation may also enter supplemental application materials, associations/organizations providing or
under HTSUS subheadings: 9404.21.0095, including adequate information on their promoting U.S. products and services
9404.29.1095, 9404.29.9095, 9401.40.0000, products and/or services, primary that have an interest in entering or
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES
and 9401.90.5081. Although the HTSUS market objectives, and goals for expanding their business in the
subheadings are provided for convenience participation. If the Department of mission’s destination country. The
and customs purposes, the written Commerce receives an incomplete following criteria will be evaluated in
description of the merchandise subject to this application, the Department may either: selecting participants:
investigation is dispositive. Reject the application, request • Suitability of the applicant’s (or in
[FR Doc. 2018–22577 Filed 10–16–18; 8:45 am] additional information/clarification, or the case of a trade association/
BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P take the lack of information into account organization, represented firm or service
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Document Created: 2018-10-17 01:47:24
Document Modified: 2018-10-17 01:47:24
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Dates | Applicable October 9, 2018. | |
| Contact | Stephen Bailey or Lilit Astvatsatrian at (202) 482-0193 or (202) 482-6412, respectively; AD/CVD Operations, Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230. | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 52386 |
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