USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Glass Substrates for Liquid Crystal Displays, Products Containing the Same, and Methods for Manufacturing the Same (II) - U.S. International Trade Commission

The U.S. International Trade Commission (Commission or USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain glass substrates for liquid crystal displays, products containing the same, and methods for manufacturing the same. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Corning Incorporated of Corning, N.Y., on January 31, 2025. A supplement was filed on February 3, 2025. The complaint, as supplemented, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain glass substrates for liquid crystal displays, products containing the same, and methods for manufacturing he same that infringe patents asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.

The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:

• Caihong Display Devices Co., Ltd., d/b/a Irico Display Devices Co., Ltd., Xianyang City, China
• HKC Corporation Ltd., Shenzhen City, China
• HKC Overseas Ltd., Hong Kong
• Hisense USA Corporation., Suwanee, Ga.
• LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc., Englewood Cliffs, N.J.
• TCL China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.., Shenzhen City, China
• TTE Technology, Inc. d/b/a TCL America, Irvine, Calif.
• VIZIO, Inc., Irvine, Calif.
• Xianyang CaiHong Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd., Xianyang City, China

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1441), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The USITC’s Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC’s administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.

The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.

U.S. Trade Representative Announces 2025 Trade Policy Agenda - Office of U.S. International Trade Representative

WASHINGTON – United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer delivered President Trump’s 2025 Trade Policy Agenda, 2024 Annual Report, and World Trade Organization at Thirty report to Congress.

The agenda lays out the Administration’s vision for trade, describing the economic and national security challenges facing the United States and articulates a plan for rebalancing trade to address those challenges, including the work required by the President’s America First Trade Policy Presidential Memorandum.

The 2024 Annual Report gives a summary of the activities undertaken by the Office of the USTR during the previous year. The WTO at Thirty report assesses U.S. interests at the WTO, in particular describing the challenges facing the institution and the need for reform.

“The United States faces unprecedented economic and national security challenges. President Trump has set out a plan to tackle those challenges in his America First Trade Policy Presidential Memorandum,” said Ambassador Greer. “Today’s Trade Agenda lays out the thinking and vision that undergird that plan. The current moment demands action to put America First on trade, and the Trade Agenda explains the importance of President Trump’s trade policy to American workers and businesses.”

To read President Trump’s 2025 Trade Policy Agenda, click here.

Background

Congress requires the U.S. Trade Representative to submit the President’s Trade Policy Agenda and Annual Report by March 1 each year. The Trade Policy Agenda and Annual Report were prepared according to guidelines established under the Trade Act of 1974, as amended.

The U.S. Trade Representative is required to submit a report to Congress every five years examining the WTO, pursuant to Section 125 of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act of 1994.

Federal Register Notices:

• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Initiation of Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Order, Finding, or Suspended Investigation; Advance Notification of Sunset Review
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Small Diameter Graphite Electrodes From China; Institution of a Five-Year Review
• Wooden Cabinets and Vanities From China; Institution of Five-Year Reviews
• Certain Surface Cleaning Devices and Components Thereof; Notice of a Commission Determination Not To Review an Initial Determination Granting a Joint Motion To Terminate the Investigation Based on Settlement; Termination of Investigation
• Sugar From Mexico; Institution of Five-Year Reviews
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Steel Propane Cylinders From Thailand: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2022-2023
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Order, Finding, or Suspended Investigation; Opportunity To Request Administrative Review and Join Annual Inquiry Service List
• Sales at Less Than Fair Value; Determinations, Investigations, etc.: Thermoformed Molded Fiber Products From the People's Republic of China and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Postponement of Preliminary Determinations in the Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigations
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Chassis and Subassemblies From Mexico, Thailand, and Vietnam; Institution of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigations and Scheduling of Preliminary Phase Investigations
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Aluminum Wire and Cable From China; Scheduling of Expedited Five-Year Reviews
• Welded Stainless Steel Pressure Pipe From China, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam; Scheduling of Expedited Five-Year Reviews
• Certain Video Capable Electronic Devices, Including Computers, Streaming Devices, Televisions, and Components and Modules Thereof; Notice of Commission Determination To Ratify the Prior Commission Actions in This Investigation and Review a Final Initial Determination of Violation of Section 337; Schedule for Filing Written Submissions on Certain Issues Under Review and Remedy, the Public Interest, and Bonding; Extension of the Target Date
• Certain Computing Devices Utilizing Indexed Search Systems and Components Thereof; Notice of Request for Submissions on the Public Interest
• Implementation of Duties on Steel Pursuant to Proclamation 10896 Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States
• Implementation of Duties on Aluminum Pursuant to Proclamation 10895 Adjusting Imports of Aluminum Into the United States
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells, Whether or Not Assembled Into Modules, From the People's Republic of China: Notice of Final Results of Changed Circumstances Reviews; Correction
• Mattresses From Indonesia: Notice of Court Decision Not in Harmony With the Final Determination of Antidumping Duty Investigation; Notice of Amended Final Determination; and Notice of Revocation of Antidumping Order
• Vertical Metal File Cabinets From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of the Expedited First Sunset Review of the Countervailing Duty Order
• Certain Softwood Lumber Products From Canada: Preliminary Results of the Administrative Review; 2023
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Steel Nails From China; Scheduling of an Expedited Five-Year Review
• Steel Racks From China
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Certain Softwood Lumber Products From Canada: Final Results of Countervailing Duty Changed Circumstances Review
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Certain Dermatological Treatment Devices and Components Thereof; Notice of Commission Determination To Review in Part a Final Initial Determination Finding a Violation of Section 337; Request for Written Submissions on the Issues Under Review and on Remedy, the Public Interest, and Bonding
• Temporary Steel Fencing From China
• Certain Components for Injection Molding Machines, and Products Containing the Same; Notice of a Commission Determination Not To Review an Initial Determination Finding Respondent Ningbo AO Sheng Mold Co., Ltd. in Default; Request for Written Submissions on Remedy, the Public Interest, and Bonding
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Certain Malleable Cast Iron Pipe Fittings From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of the Expedited Fourth Sunset Review of the Antidumping Duty Order
• Circular Welded Austenitic Stainless Pressure Pipe From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of Expedited Third Sunset Review of the Countervailing Duty Order
• Circular Welded Austenitic Stainless Pressure Pipe From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of the Expedited Third Sunset Review of the Antidumping Duty Order
• Hexamethylenetetramine From the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination and Alignment of Final Determination With Final Antidumping Duty Determination
• Acetone From Belgium, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, the Republic of South Africa, and Spain: Final Results of the First Expedited Sunset Reviews of the Antidumping Duty Orders
• Stilbenic Optical Brightening Agents From the People's Republic of China and Taiwan: Continuation of Antidumping Duty Orders
• Hexamethylenetetramine From India: Preliminary Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination and Alignment of Final Determination With Final Antidumping Duty Determination

U.S. Commerce Department Preliminary Results of Softwood Lumber from Canada Antidumping Duty Administrative Review - U.S.International Trade Administration

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Commerce announced its preliminary decision in the sixth administrative review of the antidumping duty order on softwood lumber from Canada.  Administrative reviews are conducted once a year at the request of an interested party after an antidumping duty or countervailing duty order is put into effect. This review covers imports of softwood lumber from Canada that entered into the United States during the period of January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023.

The Department of Commerce preliminarily determined that softwood lumber from Canada was being dumped into the United States at preliminary margin rates ranging from 9.48 percent to 34.61 percent.  These preliminary margin rates are, on average, larger than the final antidumping margin rates determined in the previous administrative review.  Notably, the preliminary margin rate for non-selected companies, which applies to most Canadian companies, increased to 20.07 percent, up from the 7.66 percent determined in the previous administrative review. These preliminary margin rates are not final, however, and could be modified in the final results of this administrative review.  The Department of Commerce will announce its final results later this year, and the duty rates determined in the final administrative review results will apply to all entries after that date. Commerce is scheduled to announce the preliminary decision in the administrative review of the countervailing duty order, covering January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, later this spring.

More information about these proceedings can be found by referring to case number A-122-857 and C-122-858 in Commerce’s Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Centralized Electronic Service System (ACCESS) at access.trade.gov for the antidumping duty and countervailing duty orders, respectively. 

Executive Order: Addressing The Threat To National Security from Imports of Timber, Lumber - White House

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1862) (Trade Expansion Act), it is hereby ordered:

Section 1.  Policy.  The wood products industry, composed of timber, lumber, and their derivative products (such as paper products, furniture, and cabinetry) is a critical manufacturing industry essential to the national security, economic strength, and industrial resilience of the United States.  This industry plays a vital role in key downstream civilian industries, including construction.

The United States faces significant vulnerabilities in the wood supply chain from imported timber, lumber, and their derivative products being dumped onto the United States market.

The United States has ample timber resources.  The current United States softwood lumber industry has the practical production capacity to supply 95 percent of the United States’ 2024 softwood consumption.  Yet, since 2016 the United States has been a net importer of lumber.

Wood products are a key input used by both the civilian construction industry and the military.  Each year, the United States military spends over 10 billion dollars on construction.  The military also invests in innovative building material technology, including processes to create innovative wood products such as cross-laminated timber.  The procurement of these building materials depends on a strong domestic lumber industry and a manufacturing base capable of meeting both military-specific and wider civilian needs.

It is the policy of the United States to ensure reliable, secure, and resilient domestic supply chains of timber, lumber, and their derivative products.  Unfair subsidies and foreign government support for foreign timber, lumber, and their derivative products necessitate action under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act to determine whether imports of these products threaten to impair national security.

Sec. 2.  Investigation.  (a)  The Secretary of Commerce shall initiate an investigation under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act to determine the effects on the national security of imports of timber, lumber, and their derivative products.

(b)  In conducting the investigation described in subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary of Commerce shall assess the factors set forth in 19 U.S.C. 1862(d), labeled “Domestic production for national defense; impact of foreign competition on economic welfare of domestic industries,” as well as other relevant factors, including:

(i)    the current and projected demand for timber and lumber in the United States;

(ii)   the extent to which domestic production of timber and lumber can meet domestic demand;

(iii)  the role of foreign supply chains, particularly of major exporters, in meeting United States timber and lumber demand;

(iv)   the impact of foreign government subsidies and predatory trade practices on United States timber, lumber, and derivative product industry competitiveness;

(v)    the feasibility of increasing domestic timber and lumber capacity to reduce imports; and

(vi)   the impact of current trade policies on domestic timber, lumber, and derivative product production, and whether additional measures, including tariffs or quotas, are necessary to protect national security.

Sec. 3.  Required Actions.  (a)  The Secretary of Commerce shall consult with the Secretary of Defense and the heads of other relevant executive departments and agencies as determined by the Secretary of Commerce to evaluate the national security risks associated with imports of timber, lumber, and their derivative products.

(b)  No later than 270 days after the date of this order, the Secretary of Commerce shall submit a report to the President that includes:

(i)    findings on whether imports of timber, lumber, and their derivative products threaten national security;

(ii)   recommendations on actions to mitigate such threats, including potential tariffs, export controls, or incentives to increase domestic production; and

(iii)  policy recommendations for strengthening the United States timber and lumber supply chain through strategic investments and permitting reforms.

Sec. 4.  Definitions.  As used in this order:

(a)  The term “timber” refers to wood that has not been processed.

(b)  The term “lumber” refers to wood that has been processed, including wood that has been milled and cut into boards or planks.

Sec. 5.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

Treasury Sanctions Head of Online Darknet Marketplace Tied to Fentanyl Sales - U.S. Department of Treasury

WASHINGTON —Today (3/4/25), the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Iran-based Behrouz Parsarad (Parsarad), the sole administrator of Nemesis, an online darknet marketplace, which was subject of an international law enforcement operation and was taken down in 2024. Prior to its takedown by law enforcement, narcotics traffickers and cybercriminals openly traded in illegal drugs and services on Nemesis, which was designed with built-in money laundering features. Nemesis had over 30,000 active users and 1,000 vendors and facilitated the sale of nearly $30 million worth of drugs around the world between 2021 and 2024, including to the United States.  Today’s sanctions designation is OFAC’s first action as a member of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)-led interagency Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement (JCODE) Team.

“As the administrator of the Nemesis darknet marketplace, Parsarad sought to build—and continues to try to re-establish—a safe haven to facilitate the production, sale, and shipment of illegal narcotics like fentanyl and other synthetic opioids,” said Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith. “Treasury, in partnership with U.S. law enforcement, will use all available tools to dismantle these darknet marketplaces and hold accountable the individuals who oversee them.”

Today’s action, taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14059, which targets proliferators of  narcotics and their means of production, underscores the United States’ commitment to combatting all means of supplying narcotics to the United States. Treasury remains focused on  the risks posed by darknet marketplaces, as highlighted in previous designations of Genesis Market on April 5, 2023, and of Hydra Market on April 5, 2022. According to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network’s (FinCEN) supplemental advisory published on June 20, 2024, criminal organizations use darknet marketplaces to sell precursor chemicals and manufacturing equipment used for the synthesis of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, as well as to traffic fentanyl and other narcotics into the United States.

NEMESIS: A HAVEN FOR NARCOTICS