Mattresses From Thailand: Preliminary Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value, Postponement of Final Determination, and Extension of Provisional Measures, 69568-69571 [2020-24296]

Download as PDF 69568 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 213 / Tuesday, November 3, 2020 / Notices Performance Review Board is responsible for (1) reviewing performance appraisals and ratings of Senior Executive Service (SES) and (SL) members and (2) making recommendations to the appointing authority on other performance management issues, such as pay adjustments, bonuses and Presidential Rank Awards. The appointment of these members to the Performance Review Board will be for a period of twenty-four (24) months. The name, position title, and type of appointment of each member of the Performance Review Board are set forth below: 1. Olivia Bradley, Deputy for Procurement Management, Policy and Performance Excellence, Career SES 2. Beth Grossman, Assistant General Counsel for Legislation and Regulation, OGC, Career SES 3. Robert Heilferty, Chief Counsel for Trade Enforcement and Compliance, OGC Career SES 4. LaJeune Desmukes, Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, OS, Career SES 5. James Maeder, Deputy Assistant Secretary for AD/CVD Operations, ITA, Career SES 6. John Costello, DAS for Intelligence and Security, OS, Non-career SES 7. Stephen Gardner, Chief Counsel for Commercial Law Development Program, OGC, Career SES Dated: October 28, 2020. Joan Nagielski, Human Resources Specialist, Office of Employment and Compensation, Department of Commerce Human Capital Client Services, Office of Human Resources Management, Office of the Secretary, Department of Commerce. [FR Doc. 2020–24281 Filed 11–2–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–25–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Membership of the Performance Review Board for Economic Development Administration (EDA), National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), and Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) EDA, NTIA, BIS, MBDA, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of membership. AGENCY: The EDA, NTIA, BIS and MBDA, Department of Commerce (DOC), announce the appointment of those individuals who have been selected to serve as members of the SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:55 Nov 02, 2020 Jkt 253001 Performance Review Board. The Performance Review Board is responsible for reviewing performance appraisals and ratings of Senior Executive Service (SES) members and Senior Level (SL) members and making recommendations to the appointing authority on other performance management issues, such as pay adjustments, bonuses and Presidential Rank Awards for SES and SL members. The appointment of these members to the Performance Review Board will be for a period of twenty-four (24) months. DATES: The period of appointment for those individuals selected for EDA, NTIA, BIS and MBDA’s Performance Review Board begins on November 3, 2020. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joan Nagielski, U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Human Resources Management, Department of Commerce Human Capital Client Services, Office of Employment and Compensation, 14th and Constitution Avenue NW, Room 50013, Washington, DC 20230, at (202) 482–6342. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 4314(c)(4), the EDA, NTIA, BIS and MBDA, Department of Commerce (DOC), announce the appointment of those individuals who have been selected to serve as members of EDA, NTIA, BIS and MBDA’s Performance Review Board. The Performance Review Board is responsible for (1) reviewing performance appraisals and ratings of Senior Executive Service (SES) and Senior Level (SL) members and (2) making recommendations to the appointing authority on other Performance management issues, such as pay adjustments, bonuses and Presidential Rank Awards for SES and SL members. The Appointment of these members to the Performance Review Board will be for a period of twenty-four (24) months. The name, position title, and type of appointment of each member of the Performance Review Board are set forth below: 1. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Alexander Lopes, Jr., Director, Office of Non Proliferation and Treaty Compliance, Career SES 2. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Peter Tenhula, Deputy Associate Administrator for Spectrum Planning and Policy, Career SES 3. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Agency (EDA), Angela Martinez, Regional Director for Denver Office, Career SES 4. Department of Commerce, National PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Lisa Casias, Deputy Executive Director, First Responder Network Authority, Career SES 5. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Kathy Smith, Chief Counsel, Career SES 6. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Agency (EDA), H. Phillip Paradice, Regional Director, Atlanta Regional Office, Career SES 7. Department of Commerce, Office of the Secretary, Enterprise Services, Kurt Bersani, Chief Financial Officer and Director of Administration, Career SES 8. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Jeffrey Bratcher, Chief Technology Officer, First Responder Network, NTIA, Career SES Dated: October 28, 2020. Joan Nagielski, Human Resources Specialist, Office of Employment and Compensation, Department of Commerce Human Capital Client Services, Office of Human Resources Management, Office of the Secretary, Department of Commerce. [FR Doc. 2020–24284 Filed 11–2–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–25–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [A–549–841] Mattresses From Thailand: Preliminary Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value, Postponement of Final Determination, and Extension of Provisional Measures Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. AGENCY: The Department of Commerce (Commerce) preliminarily determines that mattresses from Thailand are being, or are likely to be, sold in the United States at less than fair value (LTFV). The period of investigation (POI) is January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019. Interested parties are invited to comment on this preliminary determination. SUMMARY: DATES: Applicable November 3, 2020. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paola Aleman Ordaz, AD/CVD Operations, Office IV, Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482–4031. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\03NON1.SGM 03NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 213 / Tuesday, November 3, 2020 / Notices Background This preliminary determination is made in accordance with section 733(b) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act). Commerce published the notice of initiation of this investigation on April 24, 2020.1 On August 11, 2020, Commerce postponed the preliminary determination of this investigation and the revised deadline is now October 27, 2020.2 For a complete description of the events that followed the initiation of this investigation, see the Preliminary Decision Memorandum.3 A list of topics included in the Preliminary Decision Memorandum is included as Appendix II to this notice. The Preliminary Decision Memorandum is a public document and is on file electronically via Enforcement and Compliance’s Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Centralized Electronic Service System (ACCESS). ACCESS is available to registered users at https:// access.trade.gov. In addition, a complete version of the Preliminary Decision Memorandum can be accessed directly at https://enforcement.trade.gov/frn/. The signed and the electronic versions of the Preliminary Decision Memorandum are identical in content. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Scope Comments In accordance with the preamble to Commerce’s regulations,4 the Initiation Notice set aside a period of time for parties to raise issues regarding product coverage (i.e., scope).5 Certain interested parties commented on the scope of the investigation as it appeared in the Initiation Notice. For a summary of the product coverage comments and rebuttal responses submitted to the record for this preliminary 1 See Mattresses from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, the Republic of Turkey, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Initiation of Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigations, 85 FR 23002 (April 24, 2020) (Initiation Notice). 2 See Mattresses from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, the Republic of Turkey, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Postponement of Preliminary Determinations of Antidumping Duty Investigations, 85 FR 48505 (August 11, 2020). 3 See Memorandum, ‘‘Decision Memorandum for the Preliminary Determination in the Less-ThanFair-Value Investigation of Mattresses from Thailand’’ dated concurrently with, and hereby adopted by, this notice (Preliminary Decision Memorandum). 4 See Antidumping Duties; Countervailing Duties, Final Rule, 62 FR 27296, 27323 (May 19, 1997). 5 See Initiation Notice. 16:55 Nov 02, 2020 Jkt 253001 Methodology Commerce is conducting this investigation in accordance with section 731 of the Act. Pursuant to section 776(a) and (b) of the Act, Commerce has preliminarily relied upon facts otherwise available, with adverse inferences to determine the estimated weighted-average dumping margin for Nisco (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (Nisco) and Saffron Living Co., Ltd. (Saffron). For a full description of the methodology underlying the preliminary determination, see the Preliminary Decision Memorandum. estimated all-others rate for exporters and producers not individually investigated, including averaging the estimated weighted average dumping margins determined for the exporters and producers individually investigated.’’ In this investigation, Commerce has preliminarily determined the estimated weighted-average dumping margin for Nisco and Saffron entirely under section 776 of the Act. Therefore, in the absence of a calculated estimated weighted-average dumping margin on the record of this investigation, we have preliminarily decided to calculate the all-others rate by averaging the dumping margins alleged in the Petition, and assigning the rate of 572.56 percent to all other producers and exporters, pursuant to section 735(c)(5)(A) of the Act. For a full description of the methodology underlying Commerce’s analysis, see the Preliminary Decision Memorandum. Preliminary Determination Commerce preliminarily determines that the following estimated weightedaverage dumping margins exist: All-Others Rate Scope of the Investigation The product covered by this investigation is mattresses from Thailand. For a full description of the scope of this investigation, see Appendix I. VerDate Sep<11>2014 determination, and accompanying discussion and analysis of all comments timely received, see the Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum.6 In the Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum, Commerce determined that it is not preliminarily modifying the scope language as it appeared in the Initiation Notice. See the scope in Appendix I to this notice. The Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum establishes a deadline to submit scope case briefs, and indicates that there will be no further opportunity for comments on scope-related issues.7 Exporter/producer Sections 733(d)(1)(ii) and 735(c)(5)(A) of the Act provide that in the preliminary determination Commerce shall determine an estimated all-others rate for all exporters and producers not individually examined. This rate shall be an amount equal to the weighted average of the estimated weightedaverage dumping margins established for exporters and producers individually investigated, excluding rates that are zero, de minimis, or determined entirely under section 776 of the Act. In the situation where no estimated weighted-average dumping margins other than zero, de minimis, or those determined entirely under section 776 of the Act have been established for individually examined entities, in accordance with section 735(c)(5)(B) of the Act, Commerce may use ‘‘any reasonable method to establish the 6 See Memorandum, ‘‘Mattresses from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, the Republic of Turkey, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and the People’s Republic of China: Scope Comments Decision Memorandum for the Preliminary Determination,’’ (Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum), dated concurrently with this preliminary determination. 7 Case briefs, other written comments, and rebuttal briefs submitted in response to this preliminary determination should not include scope-related issues. See Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum; and ‘‘Public Comment’’ section of this notice. PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 69569 Nisco (Thailand) Co., Ltd ........... Saffron Living Co., Ltd ................ All Others .................................... Estimated weightedaverage dumping margin (percent) 763.28 763.28 572.56 Suspension of Liquidation In accordance with section 733(d)(2) of the Act, Commerce will direct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to suspend liquidation of entries of subject merchandise, as described in Appendix I, entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after the date of publication of this notice in the Federal Register. Further, pursuant to section 733(d)(1)(B) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.205(d), Commerce will instruct CBP to require a cash deposit equal to the estimated weighted-average dumping margin or the estimated allothers rate, as follows: (1) The cash deposit rate for the respondents listed above will be equal to the companyspecific estimated weighted-average dumping margins determined in this preliminary determination; (2) if the exporter is not a respondent identified above, but the producer is, then the cash deposit rate will be equal to the company-specific estimated weightedaverage dumping margin established for that producer of the subject merchandise; and (3) the cash deposit rate for all other producers and E:\FR\FM\03NON1.SGM 03NON1 69570 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 213 / Tuesday, November 3, 2020 / Notices exporters will be equal to the all-others estimated weighted-average dumping margin. These suspension of liquidation instructions will remain in effect until further notice. Disclosure Normally, Commerce discloses to interested parties the calculations performed in connection with a preliminary determination within five days of any public announcement or, if there is no public announcement, within five days of the date of publication of the notice of preliminary determination in the Federal Register, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.224 (b). However, because Commerce preliminarily applied AFA to the individually examined companies, Nisco and Saffron, in this investigation, in accordance with section 776 of the Act, and applied the AFA rate, which is based solely on the Petition, there are no calculations to disclose. Verification Because the examined respondents in this investigation did not provide information requested by Commerce, and Commerce preliminarily determines that each of the examined respondents have failed to cooperate by not acting to the best of their ability pursuant to section 776(b) of the Act, we will not conduct verification. Public Comment khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Case briefs or other written comments on non-scope issues may be submitted to the Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance no later than 21 days after the date of publication of the preliminarily determination.8 Rebuttal briefs, limited to issues raised in case briefs, may be submitted no later than seven days after the deadline date for case briefs.9 Note that Commerce has modified certain of its requirements for serving documents containing business proprietary information until further notice.10 Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.309(c)(2) and (d)(2), parties who submit case briefs or rebuttal briefs in this investigation are encouraged to submit with each argument: (1) A statement of the issue; (2) a brief summary of the argument; and (3) a table of authorities. 8 See 19 CFR 351.309©(1)(i); and 19 CFR 351.303 (for general filling requirements). Commerce has exercised its discretion under 19 CFR 351.309(c)(1)(i) to alter the time limit for submission of case briefs. 9 See 19 CFR 351.309; see also 19 CFR 351.303 (for general filing requirements). 10 See Temporary Rule Modifying AD/CVD Service Requirements Due to COVID–19; Extension of Effective Period, 85 FR 41363 (July 10, 2020). VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:55 Nov 02, 2020 Jkt 253001 Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.310(c), interested parties who wish to request a hearing, limited to issues raised in the case and rebuttal briefs, must submit a written request to the Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance, U.S. Department of Commerce, within 30 days after the date of publication of this notice. Requests should contain the party’s name, address, and telephone number, the number of participants, whether any participant is a foreign national, and a list of the issues to be discussed. If a request for hearing is made, Commerce intends to hold the hearing at a time and date to be determined. Parties should confirm by telephone the date and time of the hearing two days before the scheduled date of the hearing. months. Accordingly, Commerce will make its final determination no later than 135 days after the date of publication of this preliminary determination. Postponement of Final Determination and Extension of Provisional Measures Section 735(a)(2) of the Act provides that a final determination may be postponed until not later than 135 days after the date of the publication of the preliminary determination if, in the event of an affirmative preliminary determination, a request for such postponement is made by exporters who account for a significant proportion of exports of the subject merchandise, or in the event of a negative preliminary determination, a request for such postponement is made by the petitioner. Section 351.210(e)(2) of Commerce’s regulations requires that a request by exporters for postponement of the final determination be accompanied by a request for extension of provisional measures from a four-month period to a period not more than six months in duration. On October 9, 2020, pursuant to 19 CFR 351.210(b)(2)(ii)(e) and 19 CFR 351.210(e), Saffron requested that Commerce postpone the final determination in this manner until 135 days after the date of publication of the preliminary determination and that provisional measures be excluded to a period to not exceed six months.11 In accordance with section 735(a)(2)(A) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.210(b)(2)(ii), because: (1) The preliminary determination is affirmative; (2) the requesting exporter accounts for a significant proportion of exports of the subject merchandise; and (3) no compelling reasons for denial exist, Commerce is postponing the final determination and extending the provisional measures from a four-month period to a period not greater than six Notification to Interested Parties This determination is issued and published in accordance with sections 733(f) and 777(i)(1) of the Act, and 19 CFR 351.205(c). 11 See Saffron’s Letter, ‘‘Mattresses from Thailand: Request to Postpone Final Determination,’’ dated October 9, 2020. PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 International Trade Commission Notification In accordance with section 733(f) of the Act, Commerce will notify the International Trade Commission (ITC) of its preliminary determination. If the final determination 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 these imports materially injure, or threaten material injury to, the U.S. industry. Dated: October 27, 2020. Jeffrey I. Kessler, Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance. Appendix I Scope of the Investigation The products covered by this investigation are all types of youth and adult mattresses. The term ‘‘mattress’’ denotes an assembly of materials that at a minimum includes a ‘‘core,’’ which provides the main support system of the mattress, and may consist of innersprings, foam, other resilient filling, or a combination of these materials. Mattresses may also contain: (1) ‘‘upholstery,’’ the material between the core and the top panel of the ticking on a single-sided mattress; or between the core and the top and bottom panel of the ticking on a double-sided mattress; and/or (2) ‘‘ticking,’’ the outermost layer of fabric or other material (e.g., vinyl) that encloses the core and any upholstery, also known as a cover. The scope of this investigation is restricted to only ‘‘adult mattresses’’ and ‘‘youth mattresses.’’ ‘‘Adult mattresses’’ are frequently described as ‘‘twin,’’ ‘‘extra-long twin,’’ ‘‘full,’’ ‘‘queen,’’ ‘‘king,’’ or ‘‘California king’’ mattresses. ‘‘Youth mattresses’’ are typically described as ‘‘crib,’’ ‘‘toddler,’’ or ‘‘youth’’ mattresses. All adult and youth mattresses are included regardless of size and size description. The scope encompasses all types of ‘‘innerspring mattresses,’’ ‘‘non-innerspring mattresses,’’ and ‘‘hybrid mattresses.’’ ‘‘Innerspring mattresses’’ contain innersprings, a series of metal springs joined together in sizes that correspond to the dimensions of mattresses. Mattresses that contain innersprings are referred to as ‘‘innerspring mattresses’’ or ‘‘hybrid mattresses.’’ ‘‘Hybrid mattresses’’ contain two or more support systems as the core, such as layers of both memory foam and innerspring units. E:\FR\FM\03NON1.SGM 03NON1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 213 / Tuesday, November 3, 2020 / Notices ‘‘Non-innerspring mattresses’’ are those that do not contain any innerspring units. They are generally produced from foams (e.g., polyurethane, memory (viscoelastic), latex foam, gel- infused viscoelastic (gel foam), thermobonded polyester, polyethylene) or other resilient filling. Mattresses covered by the scope of this investigation may be imported independently, as part of furniture or furniture mechanisms (e.g., convertible sofa bed mattresses, sofa bed mattresses imported with sofa bed mechanisms, corner group mattresses, day-bed mattresses, roll-away bed mattresses, high risers, trundle bed mattresses, crib mattresses), or as part of a set in combination with a ‘‘mattress foundation.’’ ‘‘Mattress foundations’’ are any base or support for a mattress. Mattress foundations are commonly referred to as ‘‘foundations,’’ ‘‘boxsprings,’’ ‘‘platforms,’’ and/or ‘‘bases.’’ Bases can be static, foldable, or adjustable. Only the mattress is covered by the scope if imported as part of furniture, with furniture mechanisms, or as part of a set in combination with a mattress foundation. Excluded from the scope of this investigation are ‘‘futon’’ mattresses. A ‘‘futon’’ is a bi-fold frame made of wood, metal, or plastic material, or any combination thereof, that functions as both seating furniture (such as a couch, love seat, or sofa) and a bed. A ‘‘futon mattress’’ is a tufted mattress, where the top covering is secured to the bottom with thread that goes completely through the mattress from the top through to the bottom, and it does not contain innersprings or foam. A futon mattress is both the bed and seating surface for the futon. Also excluded from the scope are airbeds (including inflatable mattresses) and waterbeds, which consist of air- or liquidfilled bladders as the core or main support system of the mattress. Also excluded is certain multifunctional furniture that is convertible from seating to sleeping, regardless of filler material or components, where that filler material or components are upholstered, integrated into the design and construction of, and inseparable from, the furniture framing, and the outermost layer of the multifunctional furniture converts into the sleeping surface. Such furniture may, and without limitation, be commonly referred to as ‘‘convertible sofas,’’ ‘‘sofabeds,’’ ‘‘sofa chaise sleepers,’’ ‘‘futons,’’ ‘‘ottoman sleepers’’ or a like description. Also excluded from the scope of this investigation are any products covered by the existing antidumping duty orders on uncovered innerspring units from China or Vietnam. See Uncovered Innerspring Units from the People’s Republic of China: Notice of Antidumping Duty Order, 74 FR 7661 (February 19, 2009); Uncovered Innerspring Units from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, 73 FR 75391 (December 11, 2008). Also excluded from the scope of this investigation are bassinet pads with a nominal length of less than 39 inches, a nominal width less than 25 inches, and a nominal depth of less than 2 inches. Additionally, also excluded from the scope of this investigation are ‘‘mattress toppers.’’ VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:55 Nov 02, 2020 Jkt 253001 A ‘‘mattress topper’’ is a removable bedding accessory that supplements a mattress by providing an additional layer that is placed on top of a mattress. Excluded mattress toppers have a height of four inches or less. The products subject to this investigation are currently properly classifiable under HTSUS subheadings: 9404.21.0010, 9404.21.0013, 9404.29.1005, 9404.29.1013, 9404.29.9085, and 9404.29.9087. Products subject to this investigation may also enter under HTSUS subheadings: 9404.21.0095, 9404.29.1095, 9404.29.9095, 9401.40.0000, and 9401.90.5081. Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the merchandise subject to this investigation is dispositive. Appendix II List of Topics Discussed in the Preliminary Decision Memorandum I. Summary II. Background III. Period of Investigation IV. Application of Facts Available and Use of Adverse Inference V. Recommendation [FR Doc. 2020–24296 Filed 11–2–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [A–489–841] Mattresses From the Republic of Turkey: Preliminary Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value, Preliminary Negative Determination of Critical Circumstances, Postponement of Final Determination, and Extension of Provisional Measures Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. AGENCY: The Department of Commerce (Commerce) preliminarily determines that mattresses from the Republic of Turkey (Turkey) are being, or are likely to be, sold in the United States at less than fair value (LTFV). The period of investigation (POI) is January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019. Interested parties are invited to comment on this preliminary determination. SUMMARY: DATES: Applicable November 3, 2020. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jacob Keller, AD/CVD Operations, Office I, Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482–4849. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 69571 Background This preliminary determination is made in accordance with section 733(b) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act). Commerce published the notice of initiation of this investigation on April 24, 2020.1 On August 11, 2020, Commerce postponed the preliminary determination of this investigation and the revised deadline is now October 27, 2020.2 For a complete description of the events that followed the initiation of this investigation, see the Preliminary Decision Memorandum.3 A list of topics included in the Preliminary Decision Memorandum is included as Appendix II to this notice. The Preliminary Decision Memorandum is a public document and is on file electronically via Enforcement and Compliance’s Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Centralized Electronic Service System (ACCESS). ACCESS is available to registered users at https:// access.trade.gov. In addition, a complete version of the Preliminary Decision Memorandum can be accessed directly at https://enforcement.trade.gov/frn/. The signed and the electronic versions of the Preliminary Decision Memorandum are identical in content. Scope of the Investigation The product covered by this investigation is mattresses from Turkey. For a full description of the scope of this investigation, see Appendix I. Scope Comments In accordance with the preamble to Commerce’s regulations,4 the Initiation Notice set aside a period of time for parties to raise issues regarding product coverage (i.e., scope).5 Certain interested parties commented on the scope of the investigation as it appeared in the Initiation Notice. For a summary of the product coverage comments and rebuttal responses submitted to the record for this preliminary determination, and accompanying 1 See Mattresses from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, the Republic of Turkey, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Initiation of Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigations, 85 FR 23002 (April 24, 2020) (Initiation Notice). 2 See Mattresses from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, the Republic of Turkey, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Postponement of Preliminary Determinations in the Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigations, 85 FR 48505 (August 11, 2020). 3 See Memorandum, ‘‘Decision Memorandum for the Preliminary Determination in the Less-ThanFair-Value Investigation of Mattresses from the Republic of Turkey’’ dated concurrently with, and hereby adopted by, this notice (Preliminary Decision Memorandum). 4 See Antidumping Duties; Countervailing Duties, Final Rule, 62 FR 27296, 27323 (May 19, 1997). 5 See Initiation Notice. E:\FR\FM\03NON1.SGM 03NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 213 (Tuesday, November 3, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 69568-69571]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-24296]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration

[A-549-841]


Mattresses From Thailand: Preliminary Affirmative Determination 
of Sales at Less Than Fair Value, Postponement of Final Determination, 
and Extension of Provisional Measures

AGENCY: Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, 
Department of Commerce.

SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce (Commerce) preliminarily determines 
that mattresses from Thailand are being, or are likely to be, sold in 
the United States at less than fair value (LTFV). The period of 
investigation (POI) is January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019. 
Interested parties are invited to comment on this preliminary 
determination.

DATES: Applicable November 3, 2020.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paola Aleman Ordaz, AD/CVD Operations, 
Office IV, Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade 
Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482-4031.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

[[Page 69569]]

Background

    This preliminary determination is made in accordance with section 
733(b) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act). Commerce 
published the notice of initiation of this investigation on April 24, 
2020.\1\ On August 11, 2020, Commerce postponed the preliminary 
determination of this investigation and the revised deadline is now 
October 27, 2020.\2\ For a complete description of the events that 
followed the initiation of this investigation, see the Preliminary 
Decision Memorandum.\3\ A list of topics included in the Preliminary 
Decision Memorandum is included as Appendix II to this notice. The 
Preliminary Decision Memorandum is a public document and is on file 
electronically via Enforcement and Compliance's Antidumping and 
Countervailing Duty Centralized Electronic Service System (ACCESS). 
ACCESS is available to registered users at https://access.trade.gov. In 
addition, a complete version of the Preliminary Decision Memorandum can 
be accessed directly at https://enforcement.trade.gov/frn/. The signed 
and the electronic versions of the Preliminary Decision Memorandum are 
identical in content.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ See Mattresses from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, 
Thailand, the Republic of Turkey, and the Socialist Republic of 
Vietnam: Initiation of Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigations, 85 FR 
23002 (April 24, 2020) (Initiation Notice).
    \2\ See Mattresses from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, 
Thailand, the Republic of Turkey, and the Socialist Republic of 
Vietnam: Postponement of Preliminary Determinations of Antidumping 
Duty Investigations, 85 FR 48505 (August 11, 2020).
    \3\ See Memorandum, ``Decision Memorandum for the Preliminary 
Determination in the Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigation of 
Mattresses from Thailand'' dated concurrently with, and hereby 
adopted by, this notice (Preliminary Decision Memorandum).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scope of the Investigation

    The product covered by this investigation is mattresses from 
Thailand. For a full description of the scope of this investigation, 
see Appendix I.

Scope Comments

    In accordance with the preamble to Commerce's regulations,\4\ the 
Initiation Notice set aside a period of time for parties to raise 
issues regarding product coverage (i.e., scope).\5\ Certain interested 
parties commented on the scope of the investigation as it appeared in 
the Initiation Notice. For a summary of the product coverage comments 
and rebuttal responses submitted to the record for this preliminary 
determination, and accompanying discussion and analysis of all comments 
timely received, see the Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum.\6\ In 
the Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum, Commerce determined that it 
is not preliminarily modifying the scope language as it appeared in the 
Initiation Notice. See the scope in Appendix I to this notice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ See Antidumping Duties; Countervailing Duties, Final Rule, 
62 FR 27296, 27323 (May 19, 1997).
    \5\ See Initiation Notice.
    \6\ See Memorandum, ``Mattresses from Cambodia, Indonesia, 
Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, the Republic of Turkey, the Socialist 
Republic of Vietnam, and the People's Republic of China: Scope 
Comments Decision Memorandum for the Preliminary Determination,'' 
(Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum), dated concurrently with 
this preliminary determination.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum establishes a deadline to 
submit scope case briefs, and indicates that there will be no further 
opportunity for comments on scope-related issues.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ Case briefs, other written comments, and rebuttal briefs 
submitted in response to this preliminary determination should not 
include scope-related issues. See Preliminary Scope Decision 
Memorandum; and ``Public Comment'' section of this notice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Methodology

    Commerce is conducting this investigation in accordance with 
section 731 of the Act. Pursuant to section 776(a) and (b) of the Act, 
Commerce has preliminarily relied upon facts otherwise available, with 
adverse inferences to determine the estimated weighted-average dumping 
margin for Nisco (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (Nisco) and Saffron Living Co., 
Ltd. (Saffron). For a full description of the methodology underlying 
the preliminary determination, see the Preliminary Decision Memorandum.

All-Others Rate

    Sections 733(d)(1)(ii) and 735(c)(5)(A) of the Act provide that in 
the preliminary determination Commerce shall determine an estimated 
all-others rate for all exporters and producers not individually 
examined. This rate shall be an amount equal to the weighted average of 
the estimated weighted-average dumping margins established for 
exporters and producers individually investigated, excluding rates that 
are zero, de minimis, or determined entirely under section 776 of the 
Act.
    In the situation where no estimated weighted-average dumping 
margins other than zero, de minimis, or those determined entirely under 
section 776 of the Act have been established for individually examined 
entities, in accordance with section 735(c)(5)(B) of the Act, Commerce 
may use ``any reasonable method to establish the estimated all-others 
rate for exporters and producers not individually investigated, 
including averaging the estimated weighted average dumping margins 
determined for the exporters and producers individually investigated.'' 
In this investigation, Commerce has preliminarily determined the 
estimated weighted-average dumping margin for Nisco and Saffron 
entirely under section 776 of the Act. Therefore, in the absence of a 
calculated estimated weighted-average dumping margin on the record of 
this investigation, we have preliminarily decided to calculate the all-
others rate by averaging the dumping margins alleged in the Petition, 
and assigning the rate of 572.56 percent to all other producers and 
exporters, pursuant to section 735(c)(5)(A) of the Act. For a full 
description of the methodology underlying Commerce's analysis, see the 
Preliminary Decision Memorandum.

Preliminary Determination

    Commerce preliminarily determines that the following estimated 
weighted-average dumping margins exist:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Estimated
                                                               weighted-
                                                                average
                      Exporter/producer                         dumping
                                                                margin
                                                               (percent)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nisco (Thailand) Co., Ltd...................................      763.28
Saffron Living Co., Ltd.....................................      763.28
All Others..................................................      572.56
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Suspension of Liquidation

    In accordance with section 733(d)(2) of the Act, Commerce will 
direct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to suspend liquidation 
of entries of subject merchandise, as described in Appendix I, entered, 
or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after the date of 
publication of this notice in the Federal Register. Further, pursuant 
to section 733(d)(1)(B) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.205(d), Commerce will 
instruct CBP to require a cash deposit equal to the estimated weighted-
average dumping margin or the estimated all-others rate, as follows: 
(1) The cash deposit rate for the respondents listed above will be 
equal to the company-specific estimated weighted-average dumping 
margins determined in this preliminary determination; (2) if the 
exporter is not a respondent identified above, but the producer is, 
then the cash deposit rate will be equal to the company-specific 
estimated weighted-average dumping margin established for that producer 
of the subject merchandise; and (3) the cash deposit rate for all other 
producers and

[[Page 69570]]

exporters will be equal to the all-others estimated weighted-average 
dumping margin. These suspension of liquidation instructions will 
remain in effect until further notice.

Disclosure

    Normally, Commerce discloses to interested parties the calculations 
performed in connection with a preliminary determination within five 
days of any public announcement or, if there is no public announcement, 
within five days of the date of publication of the notice of 
preliminary determination in the Federal Register, in accordance with 
19 CFR 351.224 (b). However, because Commerce preliminarily applied AFA 
to the individually examined companies, Nisco and Saffron, in this 
investigation, in accordance with section 776 of the Act, and applied 
the AFA rate, which is based solely on the Petition, there are no 
calculations to disclose.

Verification

    Because the examined respondents in this investigation did not 
provide information requested by Commerce, and Commerce preliminarily 
determines that each of the examined respondents have failed to 
cooperate by not acting to the best of their ability pursuant to 
section 776(b) of the Act, we will not conduct verification.

Public Comment

    Case briefs or other written comments on non-scope issues may be 
submitted to the Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance no 
later than 21 days after the date of publication of the preliminarily 
determination.\8\ Rebuttal briefs, limited to issues raised in case 
briefs, may be submitted no later than seven days after the deadline 
date for case briefs.\9\ Note that Commerce has modified certain of its 
requirements for serving documents containing business proprietary 
information until further notice.\10\ Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.309(c)(2) 
and (d)(2), parties who submit case briefs or rebuttal briefs in this 
investigation are encouraged to submit with each argument: (1) A 
statement of the issue; (2) a brief summary of the argument; and (3) a 
table of authorities.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ See 19 CFR 351.309(copyright)(1)(i); and 19 CFR 351.303 (for 
general filling requirements). Commerce has exercised its discretion 
under 19 CFR 351.309(c)(1)(i) to alter the time limit for submission 
of case briefs.
    \9\ See 19 CFR 351.309; see also 19 CFR 351.303 (for general 
filing requirements).
    \10\ See Temporary Rule Modifying AD/CVD Service Requirements 
Due to COVID-19; Extension of Effective Period, 85 FR 41363 (July 
10, 2020).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.310(c), interested parties who wish to 
request a hearing, limited to issues raised in the case and rebuttal 
briefs, must submit a written request to the Assistant Secretary for 
Enforcement and Compliance, U.S. Department of Commerce, within 30 days 
after the date of publication of this notice. Requests should contain 
the party's name, address, and telephone number, the number of 
participants, whether any participant is a foreign national, and a list 
of the issues to be discussed. If a request for hearing is made, 
Commerce intends to hold the hearing at a time and date to be 
determined. Parties should confirm by telephone the date and time of 
the hearing two days before the scheduled date of the hearing.

Postponement of Final Determination and Extension of Provisional 
Measures

    Section 735(a)(2) of the Act provides that a final determination 
may be postponed until not later than 135 days after the date of the 
publication of the preliminary determination if, in the event of an 
affirmative preliminary determination, a request for such postponement 
is made by exporters who account for a significant proportion of 
exports of the subject merchandise, or in the event of a negative 
preliminary determination, a request for such postponement is made by 
the petitioner. Section 351.210(e)(2) of Commerce's regulations 
requires that a request by exporters for postponement of the final 
determination be accompanied by a request for extension of provisional 
measures from a four-month period to a period not more than six months 
in duration.
    On October 9, 2020, pursuant to 19 CFR 351.210(b)(2)(ii)(e) and 19 
CFR 351.210(e), Saffron requested that Commerce postpone the final 
determination in this manner until 135 days after the date of 
publication of the preliminary determination and that provisional 
measures be excluded to a period to not exceed six months.\11\ In 
accordance with section 735(a)(2)(A) of the Act and 19 CFR 
351.210(b)(2)(ii), because: (1) The preliminary determination is 
affirmative; (2) the requesting exporter accounts for a significant 
proportion of exports of the subject merchandise; and (3) no compelling 
reasons for denial exist, Commerce is postponing the final 
determination and extending the provisional measures from a four-month 
period to a period not greater than six months. Accordingly, Commerce 
will make its final determination no later than 135 days after the date 
of publication of this preliminary determination.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ See Saffron's Letter, ``Mattresses from Thailand: Request 
to Postpone Final Determination,'' dated October 9, 2020.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

International Trade Commission Notification

    In accordance with section 733(f) of the Act, Commerce will notify 
the International Trade Commission (ITC) of its preliminary 
determination. If the final determination 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 these imports materially injure, or threaten material injury 
to, the U.S. industry.

Notification to Interested Parties

    This determination is issued and published in accordance with 
sections 733(f) and 777(i)(1) of the Act, and 19 CFR 351.205(c).

    Dated: October 27, 2020.
Jeffrey I. Kessler,
Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance.

Appendix I

Scope of the Investigation

    The products covered by this investigation are all types of 
youth and adult mattresses. The term ``mattress'' denotes an 
assembly of materials that at a minimum includes a ``core,'' which 
provides the main support system of the mattress, and may consist of 
innersprings, foam, other resilient filling, or a combination of 
these materials. Mattresses may also contain: (1) ``upholstery,'' 
the material between the core and the top panel of the ticking on a 
single-sided mattress; or between the core and the top and bottom 
panel of the ticking on a double-sided mattress; and/or (2) 
``ticking,'' the outermost layer of fabric or other material (e.g., 
vinyl) that encloses the core and any upholstery, also known as a 
cover.
    The scope of this investigation is restricted to only ``adult 
mattresses'' and ``youth mattresses.'' ``Adult mattresses'' are 
frequently described as ``twin,'' ``extra-long twin,'' ``full,'' 
``queen,'' ``king,'' or ``California king'' mattresses. ``Youth 
mattresses'' are typically described as ``crib,'' ``toddler,'' or 
``youth'' mattresses. All adult and youth mattresses are included 
regardless of size and size description.
    The scope encompasses all types of ``innerspring mattresses,'' 
``non-innerspring mattresses,'' and ``hybrid mattresses.'' 
``Innerspring mattresses'' contain innersprings, a series of metal 
springs joined together in sizes that correspond to the dimensions 
of mattresses. Mattresses that contain innersprings are referred to 
as ``innerspring mattresses'' or ``hybrid mattresses.'' ``Hybrid 
mattresses'' contain two or more support systems as the core, such 
as layers of both memory foam and innerspring units.

[[Page 69571]]

    ``Non-innerspring mattresses'' are those that do not contain any 
innerspring units. They are generally produced from foams (e.g., 
polyurethane, memory (viscoelastic), latex foam, gel- infused 
viscoelastic (gel foam), thermobonded polyester, polyethylene) or 
other resilient filling.
    Mattresses covered by the scope of this investigation may be 
imported independently, as part of furniture or furniture mechanisms 
(e.g., convertible sofa bed mattresses, sofa bed mattresses imported 
with sofa bed mechanisms, corner group mattresses, day-bed 
mattresses, roll-away bed mattresses, high risers, trundle bed 
mattresses, crib mattresses), or as part of a set in combination 
with a ``mattress foundation.'' ``Mattress foundations'' are any 
base or support for a mattress. Mattress foundations are commonly 
referred to as ``foundations,'' ``boxsprings,'' ``platforms,'' and/
or ``bases.'' Bases can be static, foldable, or adjustable. Only the 
mattress is covered by the scope if imported as part of furniture, 
with furniture mechanisms, or as part of a set in combination with a 
mattress foundation.
    Excluded from the scope of this investigation are ``futon'' 
mattresses. A ``futon'' is a bi-fold frame made of wood, metal, or 
plastic material, or any combination thereof, that functions as both 
seating furniture (such as a couch, love seat, or sofa) and a bed. A 
``futon mattress'' is a tufted mattress, where the top covering is 
secured to the bottom with thread that goes completely through the 
mattress from the top through to the bottom, and it does not contain 
innersprings or foam. A futon mattress is both the bed and seating 
surface for the futon.
    Also excluded from the scope are airbeds (including inflatable 
mattresses) and waterbeds, which consist of air- or liquid-filled 
bladders as the core or main support system of the mattress.
    Also excluded is certain multifunctional furniture that is 
convertible from seating to sleeping, regardless of filler material 
or components, where that filler material or components are 
upholstered, integrated into the design and construction of, and 
inseparable from, the furniture framing, and the outermost layer of 
the multifunctional furniture converts into the sleeping surface. 
Such furniture may, and without limitation, be commonly referred to 
as ``convertible sofas,'' ``sofabeds,'' ``sofa chaise sleepers,'' 
``futons,'' ``ottoman sleepers'' or a like description.
    Also excluded from the scope of this investigation are any 
products covered by the existing antidumping duty orders on 
uncovered innerspring units from China or Vietnam. See Uncovered 
Innerspring Units from the People's Republic of China: Notice of 
Antidumping Duty Order, 74 FR 7661 (February 19, 2009); Uncovered 
Innerspring Units from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, 73 FR 
75391 (December 11, 2008).
    Also excluded from the scope of this investigation are bassinet 
pads with a nominal length of less than 39 inches, a nominal width 
less than 25 inches, and a nominal depth of less than 2 inches.
    Additionally, also excluded from the scope of this investigation 
are ``mattress toppers.'' A ``mattress topper'' is a removable 
bedding accessory that supplements a mattress by providing an 
additional layer that is placed on top of a mattress. Excluded 
mattress toppers have a height of four inches or less.
    The products subject to this investigation are currently 
properly classifiable under HTSUS subheadings: 9404.21.0010, 
9404.21.0013, 9404.29.1005, 9404.29.1013, 9404.29.9085, and 
9404.29.9087. Products subject to this investigation may also enter 
under HTSUS subheadings: 9404.21.0095, 9404.29.1095, 9404.29.9095, 
9401.40.0000, and 9401.90.5081. Although the HTSUS subheadings are 
provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written 
description of the merchandise subject to this investigation is 
dispositive.

Appendix II

List of Topics Discussed in the Preliminary Decision Memorandum

I. Summary
II. Background
III. Period of Investigation
IV. Application of Facts Available and Use of Adverse Inference
V. Recommendation

[FR Doc. 2020-24296 Filed 11-2-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P
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