Preliminary Determination

The dumping determination by the International Trade Administration
announcing the results of the investigation conducted within 160 days (or,
in extraordinarily complicated cases, 210 days) after a petition is filed
or an investigation is self-initiated by the International Trade
Administration. If the International Trade Administration determines that
there is a reasonable basis to believe or suspect that the merchandise
under consideration is being sold or is likely to be sold at less than fair
value, liquidation of all affected entries is suspended, and the matter is
referred to the International Trade Commission. "Preliminary
determination" also refers to the decision by the ITC where there is a
reasonable indication that an industry in the United States is materially
injured, or threatened with material injury, or the establishment of an
industry in the United States is materially retarded by reason of the
imports of the merchandise which is the subject of the petition. The ITC
must make its decision within 45 days after the date on which the petition
is filed or an investigation is self-initiated by the International Trade
Administration. If this determination is negative, the investigation is
terminated.