Notice of Preliminary Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value: Metal Calendar Slides from Japan, 5244-5248 [E6-1348]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• International Trade Administration

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 1, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5244-5248]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-1348]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration

[A-588-867]


Notice of Preliminary Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair 
Value: Metal Calendar Slides from Japan

AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration, 
Department of Commerce.
SUMMARY: In response to a petition filed by Stuebing Automatic Machine

[[Page 5245]]

Company (Petitioner), the U.S. Department of Commerce (the Department) 
initiated and is conducting an investigation of sales of metal calendar 
slides (MCS) from Japan for the period April 1, 2004 through March 31, 
2005. See Notice of Initiation of Antidumping Duty Investigation: Metal 
Calendar Slides from Japan, 70 FR 43122 (July 26, 2005) (Initiation 
Notice). The Department preliminarily determines that MCS from Japan 
are being, or are likely to be, sold in the United States at less than 
fair value (LTFV), as provided in section 733(b) of the Tariff Act of 
1930, as amended (the Act). The estimated margins of sales at LTFV are 
listed in the ``Suspension of Liquidation'' section of this notice. 
Interested parties are invited to comment on this preliminary 
determination.

EFFECTIVE DATE: February 1, 2006.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Lindsay, Dara Iserson, or 
Kimberley Hunt, AD/CVD Operations, Office 6, Import Administration, 
International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th 
Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: 
(202) 482-0780, (202) 482-4052, or (202) 482-1272, respectively.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Case History

    This investigation was initiated on July 19, 2005. See Initiation 
Notice. Since the initiation of the investigation, the following events 
have occurred. On August 3, 2005, the Department issued a letter 
providing interested parties an opportunity to comment on a proposed 
set of model-match criteria. We received comments in response to this 
letter from Petitioner and Nishiyama Kinzoku Co., Ltd. (Nishiyama). on 
August 17, 2005. Based on these submissions, we determined the 
appropriate model-match characteristics. See Memorandum to Maria MacKay 
through Thomas Gilgunn, ``Selection of Model Matching Criteria for 
Purposes of the Antidumping Duty Questionnaire'' (September 26, 2005).
    On August 11, 2005, the United States International Trade 
Commission (ITC) preliminarily determined that there is a reasonable 
indication that imports of the products subject to this investigation 
are materially injuring an industry in the United States producing the 
domestic like product. See Metal Calendar Slides from Japan, 70 FR 
48778 (August 19, 2005) (ITC Preliminary Determination).
    On September 21, 2005, the Department selected Nishiyama Kinzoku 
Co., Ltd. (Nishiyama) as the sole respondent in this investigation. See 
Respondent Selection section below. The Department issued its section A 
of the questionnaire to Nishiyama on September 21, 2005 and sections B-
D on September 27, 2005.\1\ Nishiyama submitted its response to section 
A on October 28, 2005, and its response to sections B and C on November 
14, 2005. The Department issued a supplemental questionnaire to 
Nishiyama on December 7, 2005. We received the supplemental response 
for sections A-C on December 27, 2005. Nishiyama submitted its section 
D response on December 30, 2005.
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    \1\ Section A of the questionnaire requests general information 
concerning a company's corporate structure and business practices, 
the merchandise under investigation that it sells, and the manner in 
which it sells that merchandise in all of its markets. Section B 
requests a complete listing of all home market sales, or, if the 
home market is not viable, of sales in the most appropriate third-
country market (this section is not applicable to respondents in 
non-market economy (NME) cases). Section C requests a complete 
listing of U.S. sales. Section D requests information on the cost of 
production (COP) of the foreign like product and the constructed 
value (CV) of the merchandise under investigation.
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    On November 2, 2005, Nishiyama notified the Department of its 
intention to use its fiscal year (FY) (calendar year 2004), rather than 
the period of investigation (POI), as the basis for reporting variable 
manufacturing cost and total manufacturing cost in its November 14, 
2005 sections B and C responses. Petitioner commented on this cost 
reporting period shift in its November 25, 2005 submission. On November 
28, 2005, the Department requested additional information from 
Nishiyama in order to determine the appropriateness of its use of its 
FY costs. Based on our analysis of Nishiyama's December 12, 2005 
response, we allowed the shift because there were no significant cost 
differences between the periods. See Letter from Barbara E. Tillman to 
Nishiyama, ``Antidumping Duty Investigation of Metal Calendar Slides 
from Japan'' (December 27, 2005).
    On November 10, 2005, Petitioner requested that the Department 
extend the preliminary determination in this investigation from 
December 6, 2005 to January 25, 2006. We postponed the preliminary 
determination to January 25, 2006, under section 733(c)(1) of the Act. 
See Notice of Postponement of Preliminary Determination in the 
Antidumping Duty Investigation of Metal Calendar Slides from Japan, 70 
FR 70059 (November 21, 2005).
    On January 19, 2006, Petitioner submitted comments regarding the 
preliminary determination. Due to the statutory deadline governing this 
investigation, we were unable to fully analyze these comments for the 
purposes of the preliminary determination. If necessary, the Department 
will issue an additional supplemental questionnaire to clarify issues 
raised by Petitioner.
    Although critical circumstances were not alleged in the petition, 
Petitioner maintained that there is a reasonable basis to believe or 
suspect that critical circumstances will exist with regard to imports 
of MCS from Japan. See Petition for Imposition of Antidumping Duties on 
Metal Calendar Slides from Japan (June 29, 2005) (Petition). In the 
Petition, Petitioner requested that the Department monitor imports of 
MCS pursuant to section 351.206(g) of the Department's regulations. In 
the Initiation Notice, the Department stated that it would monitor 
imports of MCS from Japan and would request that U.S. Customs and 
Border Protection (CBP) compile information on an expedited basis 
regarding entries of the subject merchandise. Initiation Notice, 70 FR 
at 43124.
    The Department has obtained CBP data covering entries of subject 
merchandise from January 1, 2003, through October 31, 2005. We placed 
this data on the record on January 10, 2006. See Memorandum to the File 
from Dara Iserson, ``Antidumping Duty Investigation of Metal Calendar 
Slides from Japan: The Placing of U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border 
Protection IM-115 Data on the Record'' (January 10, 2006). In addition, 
Nishiyama submitted to the Department the volume and value of its 
monthly shipments to the United States for the period 2003 through 
2005. On January 19, 2006, Petitioner alleged critical circumstances. 
Pursuant to section 351.206(c)(2)(ii) of the Department's regulations, 
the Department will issue its preliminary finding with respect to 
critical circumstances within 30 days of Petitioner's allegation.

Respondent Selection

    Section 777A(c)(1) of the Act directs the Department to calculate 
individual dumping margins for each known exporter and producer of the 
subject merchandise. In the Petition, Petitioners identified five 
potential producers and exporters of MCS in Japan: Nishiyama, BSI 
Corp., Sanko Shoji KK, Taiyo Shoko KK, and KK Shino Kanagu. On August 
5, 2005, the Department sent a cable to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, 
Japan requesting information about the potential producers/exporters of 
MCS. See Memorandum to the File from Dara Iserson, ``Metal Calendar 
Slides from

[[Page 5246]]

Japan - Mini Quantity and Value Questionnaire Responses and Respondent 
Selection'' (September 21, 2005) (placing the cable to the embassy on 
the record) (Mini Q&V Memorandum). The Embassy's August 9, 2005, reply 
confirmed that Nishiyama produced MCS and exported MCS to the United 
States. In addition, Sanko Shoji KK, Taiyo Shoko KK, and KK Shino 
Kanagu each informed the U.S. Embassy that they produce MCS and 
distribute them in the Japanese market, but do not directly export MCS 
to the United States. Finally, the U.S. Embassy stated that it was 
unable to obtain any information regarding BSI Corp.
    On August 18, 2005, the Department sent Nishiyama, BSI Corp., Sanko 
Shoji KK, Taiyo Shoko KK, and KK Shino Kanagu letters requesting 
information on the total quantity and value of MCS that each produced 
and/or exported to the United States during the POI. We also requested 
that, if the company did not produce the product, it provide the 
Department with the total quantity and value of subject merchandise 
that it exported to the United States during the POI. On August 26, 
2005, we received a response from BSI Corp. certifying that it neither 
produced nor exported subject merchandise to the United States during 
the POI. On August 31, 2005, we received a response from Nishiyama 
certifying the amount of in-scope merchandise it produced in Japan and 
exported to the United States during the POI. On September 7, 2005, we 
received a response from Sanko Shoji KK, certifying that it has never 
made shipments of MCS to the United States and that it has only made 
sales in its home market. To date, the Department has not received a 
response from Taiyo Shoko KK or KK Shino Kanagu.
    Based on our analysis of the information collected by the U.S. 
Embassy and the information provided in responses to the letters 
requesting quantity and value information, we determined that Nishiyama 
was the only known exporter of metal calendar slides to the United 
States. See Mini Q&V Memorandum. Therefore, Nishiyama is the sole 
respondent in this investigation and the Department has calculated an 
individual dumping margin for the company. See section 777A(c)(2)(B) of 
the Act. See Mini Q&V Memorandum (providing the complete analysis of 
the respondent selection).

Period of Investigation

    The POI is April 1, 2004 through March 31, 2005. This period 
corresponds to the four most recent fiscal quarters prior to the month 
of filing of the Petition (i.e., June 2005) involving imports from a 
market economy, and is in accordance with the Department's regulations. 
See 19 CFR 351.204(b)(1).

Scope of Investigation

    For the purpose of this investigation, the product covered is MCS. 
The products covered in this investigation are ``V'' and/or ``U'' 
shaped MCS manufactured from cold-rolled steel sheets, whether or not 
left in black form, tin plated or finished as tin free steel (TFS), 
typically with a thickness from 0.19 mm to 0.23 mm, typically in 
lengths from 152 mm to 915 mm, typically in widths from 12 mm to 29 mm 
when the slide is lying flat and before the angle is pressed into the 
slide (although they are not typically shipped in this ``flat'' form), 
that are typically either primed to protect the outside of the slide 
against oxidization or coated with a colored enamel or lacquer for 
decorative purposes, whether or not stacked, and excluding paper and 
plastic slides. MCS are typically provided with either a plastic 
attached hanger or eyelet to hang and bind calendars, posters, maps or 
charts, or the hanger can be stamped from the metal body of the slide 
itself. These MCS are believed to be classified under Harmonized Tariff 
Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) subheading 7326.90.1000 (Other 
articles of iron and steel: Forged or stamped; but not further worked: 
Other: Of tinplate). This HTSUS number is provided for convenience and 
U.S. Customs and Border Protection purposes. The written description of 
the scope of this investigation is dispositive.

Date of Sale

    Nishiyama reported invoice date as the date of sale for both the 
home and U.S. markets. Nishiyama maintains that it makes no contract 
sales in either market. As such, Nishiyama maintains that its invoice, 
issued at the time of shipment, is the first document that establishes 
the price and quantity of the sale. Nishiyama contends that although 
its home market and U.S. customers issue purchase orders, the terms of 
sale including the quantity and price may change at any point up to the 
time of shipment. Nishiyama submitted documentation for home market and 
U.S. sales for which the terms of sale shown on the invoices differed 
from the terms of sale on the purchase orders. Because the material 
terms of sale are established when the invoice is issued, and because 
of our presumption that invoice date is the date of sale, as stated in 
section 351.401(i) of the Department's regulations, we are using 
invoice date as the date of sale for all of Nishiyama's sales in both 
markets.

Cost Reporting Period

    As noted above, on November 2, 2005, Nishiyama notified the 
Department that it intended to report its total cost of manufacturing 
and variable cost of manufacturing for its November 14, 2005 section B 
and C responses based on the company's FY rather than the POI. On 
November 28, 2005, the Department issued a cost period shift 
questionnaire. Based on our analysis of Nishiyama's December 12, 2005 
response, we allowed the shift, because there were no significant cost 
differences between the two periods. See Letter to Nishiyama, Re: 
``Antidumping Investigation of Metal Calendar Slides from Japan'' 
(December 27, 2005).

Fair Value Comparisons

    To determine whether sales of MCS to the United States were made at 
LTFV, we compared export price (EP) to normal value (NV), as described 
in the ``U.S. Price'' and ``Normal Value'' sections below.

U.S. Price

    Section 772(a) of the Act defines EP as ``the price at which the 
subject merchandise is first sold (or agreed to be sold) before the 
date of importation by the producer or exporter of subject merchandise 
outside of the United States to an unaffiliated purchaser in the United 
States or to an unaffiliated purchaser for exportation to the United 
States . . . ,'' as adjusted under subsection (c). For purposes of this 
investigation, Nishiyama classified all of its U.S. sales as EP sales. 
Nishiyama has reported that it sold and shipped the subject merchandise 
directly to unaffiliated customers in the U.S. market and that it did 
not make any U.S. sales through an affiliated U.S. importer. Therefore, 
we preliminarily determine that Nishiyama's transactions were EP sales.
    We calculated the EP in accordance with section 772(a) of the Act. 
We based EP price on Nishiyama's Cost and Freight (C&F) price to its 
unaffiliated U.S. customers. We then made appropriate deductions for 
foreign inland freight, domestic brokerage, and international freight 
pursuant to section 772(c) of the Act.

Normal Value

A. Selection of Comparison Market

    Section 773(a)(1) of the Act directs the Department to calculate NV 
based on the price at which the foreign like product is first sold in 
the home market,

[[Page 5247]]

provided that the merchandise is sold in sufficient quantities (or 
value, if quantity is inappropriate), and that there is no particular 
market situation that prevents a proper comparison with the EP. Under 
the statute, the Department will normally consider quantity (or value) 
insufficient if it is less than five percent of the aggregate quantity 
(or value) of sales of the subject merchandise to the United States. 
See Section 773(a)(1)(C) of the Act. We found that Nishiyama had a 
viable home market for MCS. As such, Nishiyama submitted its home 
market sales data for the calculation of NV. In deriving NV, we made 
adjustments as detailed in the ``Calculation of Normal Value Based on 
Home Market Prices'' section below.

C. Cost of Production Analysis

    On December 2, 2005, Petitioner alleged that Nishiyama made sales 
in the home market at less than the cost of production (COP). Based on 
these allegations, and in accordance with section 773(b)(2)(A)(I) of 
the Act, we found reasonable grounds to believe or suspect that MCS 
sales were made in Japan at prices below the COP. See Memorandum from 
the Team to Barbara E. Tillman, ``Petitioner's Allegation of Sales 
Below the Cost of Production for Nishiyama Kinzoku Co., Ltd. 
(Nishiyama)'' (December 14, 2005). As a result, the Department is 
conducting an investigation to determine whether Nishiyama made home 
market sales of MCS at prices below COP during the POI within the 
meaning of section 773(b) of the Act.
1. Calculation of Cost of Production
    In accordance with section 773(b)(3) of the Act, we calculated a 
weighted-average COP based on the sum of the cost of materials and 
fabrication for the foreign like product, plus amounts for the home 
market selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses, including 
interest expenses and packing expenses. We relied on the COP data 
submitted by Nishiyama in its cost questionnaire responses, except as 
noted below:
     we revised Nishiyama's reported financial expense rate to 
include certain exchange losses;
     we revised the reported cost of goods sold denominator 
used to calculate both the G&A and financial expense rates to account 
for the ending finished goods inventory, and to deduct certain selling 
expenses, and packing costs.
For further details regarding these adjustments, see Memorandum from 
Ernest Gzyrian to the File, ``Cost of Production and Constructed Value 
Calculation Adjustments for the Preliminary Determination - Nishiyama 
Kinzoku, Co., Ltd.'' (January 25, 2005) (COP Memo).
2. Test of Home Market Sales Prices
    We compared the weighted-average COP for Nishiyama to its home 
market sales prices of the foreign like product, as required under 
section 773(b) of the Act, to determine whether these sales had been 
made at prices below the COP within an extended period of time (i.e., a 
period of one year) in substantial quantities, and whether such prices 
were sufficient to permit the recovery of all costs within a reasonable 
period of time. On a model-specific basis, we compared the COP to the 
home market prices, less any applicable movement charges, discounts, 
rebates, and direct and indirect selling expenses.
3. Results of the COP Test
    Pursuant to section 773(b)(2)(C) of the Act, where less than 20 
percent of the respondent's sales of a given product during the POI are 
at prices less than the COP, we do not disregard any below-cost sales 
of that product, because we determine that in such instances the below-
cost sales were not made in substantial quantities. Where 20 percent or 
more of the respondent's sales of a given product during the POI are at 
prices less than the COP, we determine that the below-cost sales 
represent substantial quantities within an extended period of time, in 
accordance with section 773(b)(1)(A) of the Act. In such cases, we also 
determine whether such sales were made at prices which would not permit 
recovery of all costs within a reasonable period of time, in accordance 
with section 773(b)(1)(B) of the Act.
    We found that more than 20 percent of Nishiyama's home market sales 
of a given product during the POI were at prices below the COP, and in 
addition, the below-cost sales of the product were at prices which 
would not permit recovery of all costs within a reasonable time period, 
in accordance with section 773(b)(2)(D) of the Act. We therefore 
excluded these sales and used the remaining sales, if any, as the basis 
for determining NV, in accordance with section 773(b)(1) of the Act.

D. Calculation of Normal Value Based on Home Market Prices

    We calculated NV based on ex-works, ``free on board,'' or delivered 
prices to home market customers. We recalculated the starting price 
taking into account, where appropriate, billing adjustments and rebates 
in accordance with section 773(a)(6)(B)(iii) of the Act. In accordance 
with 19 CFR 351.401(c), we added other revenue (e.g., inland freight 
revenue), where applicable. Pursuant to section 773(a)(6)(B)(ii) of the 
Act, we made deductions from the starting price for inland freight, 
when appropriate. In accordance with sections 773(a)(6)(A) and (B) of 
the Act, we added U.S. packing costs and deducted home market packing, 
respectively. In accordance with section 773(a)(6)(iii) of the Act and 
19 CFR 351.410(c-d), we made circumstances of sale adjustments for 
direct selling expenses, bank charges, and credit expenses.
    We also made adjustments, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.410(e), for 
indirect selling expenses incurred on comparison market or U.S. sales 
where commissions were granted on sales in one market but not in the 
other, (i.e., commission offset). Specifically, where commissions were 
incurred in the U.S. market, but not in the home market, we limited the 
amount of the commission offset to the lesser of indirect selling 
expenses (including inventory carrying cost) incurred in the home 
market or the commissions paid in the U.S. market.

F. Level of Trade

    In accordance with section 773(a)(1)(B)(I) of the Act, to the 
extent practicable, we determine NV based on sales in the home market 
at the same LOT as U.S. sales. See 19 CFR 351.412. The NV LOT is the 
level of the starting-price sale in the home market. For EP, the U.S. 
LOT is based on the starting price, which is usually from the exporter 
to the importer.
    To determine whether NV sales are at a different LOT than EP sales, 
we examine stages in the marketing process and selling functions along 
the chain of distribution between the producer and the unaffiliated 
customer in the home market. If the comparison-market sales are at a 
different LOT, and the difference affects price comparability, as 
manifested in a pattern of consistent price differences between the 
sales on which NV is based and comparison-market sales at the LOT of 
the export transaction, we make an LOT adjustment under section 
773(a)(7)(A) of the Act.
    In the current investigation, Nishiyama claimed two levels of trade 
in the home market and a single separate level of trade in the U.S. 
market. In addition, Nishiyama requested an LOT adjustment. Nishiyama 
maintains that its HM ``LOT 1'' sales are made to large calendar 
manufacturers who provide estimates of projected MCS purchases for the 
entire year. Nishiyama maintains that these estimates eliminate the 
need for the

[[Page 5248]]

extensive coordination between sales and production that is required on 
``order by order'' sales and enables Nishiyama to produce MCS during 
the non-peak season. Nishiyama contends that the ``LOT 2'' sales are 
made to small calendar manufacturers that do not provide estimates to 
Nishiyama, rather, Nishiyama produces MCS for these customers on an 
``order by order'' basis. Nishiyama maintains that there is a shorter 
production lead time for this type of customer. Nishiyama also 
maintains that it has to make significant additional efforts to 
coordinate sales and production due to the shorter delivery schedules, 
smaller orders, and level of customization. Nishiyama claims that the 
U.S. sales more closely correspond to ``LOT 1'' because the U.S. 
customers place orders with longer lead times and do not require 
significant time for coordination with the customer.
    In our original questionnaire and our supplemental questionnaire, 
we asked Nishiyama to provide a complete list of all the selling 
activities performed and services offered in the U.S. market and the 
home market for each claimed LOT. Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.412(c)(2), 
substantial differences in selling activities are a necessary condition 
for determining there is a difference in the stage of marketing. While 
Nishiyama claimed that there were some differences between these 
distribution channels, which it claimed constitute separate LOTs, we 
find that these differences are not differences in selling functions 
and do not create two LOTs. Information submitted by Nishiyama with 
respect to its claimed LOTs primarily focused on the differences in the 
lead times for the order, the size of the manufacturers making the 
orders, and the amount of coordination needed when dealing with large 
versus small manufacturers. Nishiyama did not submit any information on 
the specific selling activities and functions for each proposed LOT nor 
did it define the stages of marketing of each proposed LOT. Nishiyama 
has not demonstrated substantial differences in the selling activities 
in the U.S. market and home market. As such, Nishiyama has not 
adequately supported its claim that it has two LOTs in the home market 
and a different, separate LOT in the U.S. market, or that we should 
grant it an LOT adjustment.

Currency Conversions

    We made currency conversions into U.S. dollars in accordance with 
section 773A of the Act based on exchange rates in effect on the dates 
of the U.S. sales, as obtained from the Federal Reserve Bank (the 
Department's preferred source for exchange rates).

Verification

    In accordance with section 782(i) of the Act, we will verify the 
questionnaire responses of Nishiyama before making our final 
determination.

Suspension of Liquidation

    In accordance with section 733(d)(2) of the Act, we are directing 
CBP to suspend liquidation of all entries of MCS from Japan that are 
entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after the 
date of publication of this notice in the Federal Register. We are also 
instructing CBP to require a cash deposit or the posting of a bond 
equal to the weighted-average dumping margins as indicated in the chart 
below. These instructions suspending liquidation will remain in effect 
until further notice.
    The weighted-average dumping margins are as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Weighted-Average
                 Producer/Exporter                   Margin (Percentage)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nishiyama Kinzoku Co., Ltd.........................                7.68%
All Others.........................................                7.68%
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Disclosure

    In accordance with 19 CFR 351.224(b), the Department will disclose 
to interested parties, the calculations performed in this preliminary 
determination within five days of the date of the public announcement.

Public Comment

    Interested parties are invited to comment on the preliminary 
determination. Interested parties may submit case briefs either 50 days 
after the date of publication of this notice or ten days after the 
issuance of the verification reports, whichever is later. See 19 CFR 
351.309(c)(1)(I). Rebuttal briefs, the content of which is limited to 
the issues raised in the case briefs, must be filed within five days 
after the deadline for the submission of case briefs. See 19 CFR 
351.309(d). A list of authorities used, a table of contents, and an 
executive summary of issues should accompany any briefs submitted to 
the Department. Executive summaries should be limited to five pages 
total, including footnotes.
    In accordance with section 774 of the Act, we will hold a public 
hearing, if requested, to afford interested parties an opportunity to 
comment on arguments raised in case or rebuttal briefs. If a request 
for a hearing is made, we will tentatively hold the hearing two days 
after the deadline for submission of rebuttal briefs at the U.S. 
Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, 
Washington, DC 20230, at a time and in a room to be determined. Parties 
should confirm by telephone the date, time, and location of the hearing 
48 hours before the scheduled date.
    Interested parties who wish to request a hearing, or to participate 
in a hearing if one is requested, must submit a written request to the 
Assistant Secretary for Import Administration, U.S. Department of 
Commerce, Room 1870, within 30 days of the date of publication of this 
notice. Requests should contain: (1) The party's name, address, and 
telephone number; (2) the number of participants; and (3) a list of the 
issues to be discussed. At the hearing, oral presentations will be 
limited to issues raised in the briefs. See 19 CFR 351.310(c). Unless 
the Department receives a request for a postponement pursuant to 
section 735(a)(2) of the Act, the Department will make its final 
determination no later than 75 days after the date of this preliminary 
determination. See section 735(a)(1) of the Act.

International Trade Commission Notification

    In accordance with section 733(f) of the Act, we have notified the 
ITC of the Department's preliminary affirmative determination. If the 
final determination in this proceeding is affirmative, the ITC will 
determine before the later of 120 days after the date of this 
preliminary determination or 45 days after the final determination 
whether imports of MCS from Japan are materially injuring, or 
threatening material injury to, the U.S. industry. See section 
735(b)(2) of the Act.
    This determination is issued and published pursuant to sections 
733(f) and 777(i)(1) of the Act.

    Dated: January 25, 2006.
David M. Spooner,
Assistant Secretary for Import Administration.
[FR Doc. E6-1348 Filed 1-31-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S