Import investigations: Drams of one megabit and above from Pianos; economic and competitive conditions affecting U.S. industry,
FR, December 16, 1998 › Notices › International Trade Commission
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Federal Register: December 16, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 241)NoticesPage 69305-69306From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
DOCID:fr16de98-85
INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Investigation 332-401Pianos: Economic and Competitive Conditions Affecting the U.S. Industry
AGENCY: United States International Trade Commission.
ACTION: Institution of investigation and scheduling of public hearing.
EFFECTIVE DATE: December 4, 1998.
SUMMARY: Following the receipt of a request on November 12, 1998, from the Committee on Ways and Means of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Commission instituted investigation No. 332-401, Pianos: Economic and Competitive Conditions Affecting the U.S. Industry, under section 332(g) of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1332(g)).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Industry-specific information may be obtained from Mr. David Lundy (202-205-3439) or Mr. Ralph Watkins (202- 205-3492), Office of Industries, U.S. International Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20436. For information on the legal aspects of this investigation contact Mr. William Gearhart of the Office of the General Counsel (202-205-3091). Hearing impaired individuals are advised that information on this matter can be obtained by contacting the TDD terminal on (202) 205-1810.
Background
The Commission received the Committee's letter on November 12, 1998. The Committee asked that the Commission institute a factfinding investigation of the current conditions affecting the domestic piano industry, particularly that portion of the industry producing upright pianos. As requested by the Committee, the Commission will include the following information in its report to the extent possible:
(1) An overview of the global market for pianos, including such factors as consumption, production, and trade during the period 1994-98.
(2) A profile of the U.S. piano industry, including leading producers, importers, distributors, and suppliers of pianos.
(3) Profiles of leading manufacturers in Japan, Korea, China, and Indonesia.
(4) A comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of U.S. and foreign producers regarding factors of competition such as production costs, access to raw materials, labor costs, availability of skilled/experienced labor force, financing, level of technology in the manufacturing process, product appearance, quality as a musical instrument, pricing, and home market strength.
The Committee requested that the Commission in its examination of foreign industries and markets concentrate principally on Japan, Korea, China, and Indonesia. The Committee also requested the Commission take into account currency fluctuations and devaluations in considering the factors of competition. The Commission expects to submit its report to the Committee by May 12, 1999.
Public Hearing
A public hearing in connection with the investigation will be held at the U.S. International Trade Commission Building, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC, beginning at 9:30 a.m. on February 17, 1999. All persons shall have the right to appear, by counsel or in person, to present information and to be heard. Requests to appear at the public hearing should be filedwith the Secretary, United States International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436, no later than 5:15 p.m., January 29, 1999. Any prehearing briefs (original and 14 copies) should be filednot later than 5:15 p.m., February 5, 1999; the deadline for filing post-hearing briefs or statements is 5:15 p.m., March 1, 1999. In the event that, as of the close of business on January 29, 1999, no witnesses are scheduled to appear at the hearing, the hearing will be canceled. Any person interested in attending the hearing as an observer or non-participant may call the Secretary of the Commission (202-205-1816) after January 29, 1999 to determine whether the hearing will be held.
[Page 69306]Written Submissions
In lieu of or in addition to participating in the hearing, interested parties are invited to submit written statements concerning the matters to be addressed by the Commission in its report on this investigation. Commercial or financial information that a submitter desires the Commission to treat as confidential must be submitted on separate sheets of paper, each clearly marked ``Confidential Business Information'' at the top. All submissions requesting confidential treatment must conform with the requirements of section 201.6 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR 201.6). All written submissions, except for confidential business information, will be made available in the Office of the Secretary of the Commission for inspection by interested parties. To be assured of consideration by the Commission, written statements relating to the Commission's report should be submitted to the Commission at the earliest practical date and should be received no later than the close of business on March 1, 1999. All submissions should be addressed to the Secretary, United States International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. The Commission's rules does not authorize the filing of submissions with the Secretary by facsimile or electronic means.
Persons with mobility impairments who will need special assistance in gaining access to the Commission should contact the Office of the Secretary at 202-205-2000. General information concerning the Commission may also be obtained by accessing its Internet server (http://www.usitc.gov).
Issued: December 7, 1998.
By order of the Commission. Donna R. Koehnke, Secretary.
FR Doc. 98-33320Filed12-15-98; 8:45 amBILLING CODE 7020-02-P
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