|
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department yesterday announced an investigation of possible unfair trade practices by foreign competitors of Appleton Papers, Inc., of Appleton, WI.
On October 25, Rep. Tom Petri had asked Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez to commence an investigation to determine whether China, Germany and South Korea were dumping subsidized lightweight thermal paper (LWTP) on the United States market. Appleton Papers produces 60 percent of LWTP manufactured domestically and contends that imports are being priced below the cost of the constituent materials.
"We welcome competition based on efficiency, but if foreign companies or countries are subsidizing products to drive out American competitors or to support their jobs at the expense of ours, that's unfair competition and we have to respond," said Petri. "People from my district depend on Appleton Papers for their employment."
LWTP is a paper coated with chemicals which react to form images when exposed to heat. It is typically used for point-of-sale applications, such as printing receipts and coupons, and for ATM receipts.
The Commerce Department's International Trade Commission (ITC) is scheduled to make its preliminary injury determinations on or about Nov. 23. If it finds that there is a reasonable indication that imports are materially injuring or threatening injury to the domestic industry, investigations will continue, leading potentially to countervailing tariffs.
|
