ITC VOTES TO CONTINUE CASES ON LEMON JUICE FROM ARGENTINA AND MEXICO

The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of lemon juice from Argentina and Mexico that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.

All six Commissioners voted in the affirmative.

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its antidumping investigations of imports of lemon juice from Argentina and Mexico, with its preliminary determinations due on or about February 28, 2007.

The Commission’s public report Lemon Juice from Argentina and Mexico (Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1105-1106 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 3891, November 2006) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

Copies of the report are expected to be available after December 5, 2006, by calling 202-205-2000 or from the Office of the Secretary, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may also be faxed to 202-205-2104.

——————————————————————————–

UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Office of Industries
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Lemon Juice from Argentina and Mexico
Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1105-1106 (Preliminary)

Product Description: For purposes of this investigation, the product covered is lemon juice. Lemon juice is produced from the juice of fresh lemons, Citrus Limon. Lemon juice has a particularly high acid content when compared to juice of other citrus species, typically above 4.5 percent by weight, and is not typically consumed alone at full strength, unlike orange juice. Lemon juice is used as an ingredient in beverages, particularly lemonade and soft drinks, and other foods, such as salad dressings, sauces, and baked goods. Lemon juice is sold to be used as an ingredient by food and beverage processing companies as well as producers of non-food products, such as household cleaners. Lemon juice is also sold at retail grocers to be used as an ingredient in home food preparation. The merchandise subject to this investigation is provided for in subheadings 2009.31.4000, 2009.31.6020, 2009.31.6040, 2009.39.6020, and 2009.39.6040 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.

Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary antidumping.
2. Petitioner: Sunkist Growers, Inc., Sherman Oaks, CA.
3. Investigations instituted by USITC: September 21, 2006.
4. Conference: October 13, 2006.
5. USITC vote: November 3, 2006.
6. USITC notification of Department of Commerce: November 6, 2006.

U.S. Industry:
1. Number of U.S. firms in 2006: Seven.
2. Production during January-August 2006: (1)
3. Employment of production and related workers: (1)
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments during January-August
2006: (1)
5. U.S. apparent consumption during January-August 2006: (1)
6. Ratio of quantity of total imports to U.S. apparent
consumption during January-August 2006: (1)

U.S. Imports:
1. Quantity of subject imports during January-August 2006: 1,515,000 gallons.
2. Value of subject imports during January-August 2006: $11,777,000.
_________________________

(1) Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.