Letter to Meredith M. Broadbent, Chairwoman of the International Trade Commission - Making Sure Anti-Dumping Laws Stay Strong

Letter

Dear Chairman Broadbent:

I write in support of the National Candle Association's submissions regarding the International Trade Commission's (ITC) recently initiated fourth Sunset Review of the Antidumping Duty Order on petroleum wax candles from China. On behalf of candle producers in New York and across the country, I urge the ITC to carefully consider the arguments made by the domestic industry to conduct an expedited review of this Duty Order and to retain the Order, to ensure a level playing field for domestic candle producers. We must be tireless in our efforts to protect American manufacturers and their workers from unfair foreign trade practices.

America's religious candle making industry began in Syracuse, New York, and since 1897, the Cathedral Candle Company has produced candles in Syracuse for many of America's churches. While the company has invested in improved technology and has expanded over time, Cathedral Candle's original factory remains the core of its expanded manufacturing facility and employs 70 workers on Kirkpatrick Street.

Cathedral Candle, as a member of National Candle Association, has informed me that the anti-dumping Duty Order on imports of petroleum wax candles from China protects them from economic harm and market share loss and that it has been vital to their continued presence in New York. The National Candle Association asserts that China's producers continue to attempt to evade this Duty Order, often through trans-shipment. As of January 2015, China's government increased their export rebate on candles from 13 to 17 percent in an attempt to boost candle exports. The National Candle Association cites these predatory trade practices as evidence that the revocation of the Duty Order would harm the domestic industry. Predatory foreign business tactics must not be allowed to undermine U.S. manufacturers like Cathedral Candle and their workers. It is increasingly difficult for small companies like Cathedral Candle to compete with foreign competitors who seek to expand their U.S. market share through predatory pricing practices.

I respectfully urge the ITC to consider the domestic candle industry's request to conduct an expedited Sunset Review of the existing Antidumping Duty Order on candles from China. The National Candle Association asserts that responses to the ITC's notice of institution of the Sunset Review are inadequate, as the Chinese industry failed to enter submissions for the ITC's sunset proceeding, and therefore the ITC should conduct an expedited review.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. We must do all we can to protect candle producers and their workers across the country from predatory foreign trade practices. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer

United States Senator

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