[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 160 (Friday, August 16, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 42652]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-20875]
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
[Investigation No. TA-201-66]
Fresh Tomatoes and Bell Peppers
Determination
On the basis of the information developed in the subject
investigation, the Commission determines 1 2 that fresh tomatoes
and bell peppers, provided for in subheadings 0702.00.20, 0702.00.40,
0702.00.60, and 0709.60.40 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the
United States,3 are not being imported into the United States in
such increased quantities as to be a substantial cause of serious
injury, or the threat thereof, to the domestic industries producing
articles like or directly competitive with the imported articles.
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\1\ Commissioner Bragg dissenting with regard to imports of
fresh tomatoes and bell peppers other than (1) greenhouse tomatoes
and bell peppers and (2) imports from Canada.
\2\ Commissioner Nuzum not participating.
\3\ The imported articles covered by this investigation are
fresh or chilled tomatoes, including but not limited to the
varieties known scientifically as Lycopersicon esculentum,
Lycopersicon cerasiforme, and Lycopersicon pyriforme, but excluding
tomatoes grown for processing. ``Bell peppers,'' also called sweet
peppers, are defined as fresh or chilled peppers belonging to the
species Capsicum annuum var. annuum, but excluding chili and cayenne
peppers and peppers grown for processing.
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Background
Following receipt of a petition filed on March 11, 1996, by the
Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, Orlando, FL, the Florida Bell
Pepper Growers Exchange, Inc., Orlando, FL, the Florida Commissioner of
Agriculture, Tallahassee, FL, the Ad Hoc Group of Florida Tomato
Growers and Packers, and individual Florida bell pepper growers, the
Commission, effective March 11, 1996, instituted Investigation No. TA-
201-66 under section 202 of the Trade Act of 1974 to determine whether
fresh tomatoes and bell peppers are being imported into the United
States in such increased quantities as to be a substantial cause of
serious injury, or the threat thereof, to the domestic industries
producing articles like or directly competitive with the imported
articles.
Notice of the institution of the Commission's investigation and of
public hearings to be held in connection therewith was given by posting
copies of the notice in the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International
Trade Commission, Washington, DC, and by publishing the notice in the
Federal Register of March 28, 1996 (61 F.R. 13875). The hearing in
connection with the injury phase of the investigation was held in
Washington, DC, on June 3, 1996, and all persons who requested the
opportunity were permitted to appear in person or by counsel. The
hearing on the remedy phase scheduled for August 1, 1996, was not held
because the Commission made a negative injury determination and
accordingly did not reach the question of remedy.
The Commission transmitted its determination in this investigation
to the President on August 9, 1996. The views of the Commission are
contained in USITC Publication 2985 (August 1996), entitled ``Fresh
Tomatoes and Bell Peppers: Investigation No. TA-201-66.''
Issued: August 12, 1996.
By order of the Commission.
Donna R. Koehnke,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 96-20875 Filed 8-15-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P
