Leggett & Platt, the biggest manufacturer of residential furniture and mattress sets recently failed a petition concerned about protecting the United States innerspring industry. The petition filed by the industry giant addresses the threat of uncovered innersprings from China, South Africa, and Vietnam being dumped in the United States market to the innerspring industry in the country.

The International Sleep Products Association reported that the petition was filed on Dec 31 last year by Leggett & Platt. The case was filed by the company on behalf of the industry. Said company is the largest manufacturer of innersprings in the United States.

According to the report, the petition filed by Leggett & Platt appealed for antidumping duties to be collected from importers of innersprings. The alleged dumping is a threat to the United States innerspring industry as the imported innersprings are sold in the country at a substantially lower price than innersprings manufactured in the country. The antidumping duties to be collected according to the petition will offset the sale of innersprings at a very low price. Furthermore, the petition said that "uncovered springs" should include both pocketed and non-pocketed innersprings.

In counties such as China, Vietnam, and South Africa, manufacturers take advantage of low cost production. At these countries, wages are significantly lower than they are in countries like the United States and European countries. The cost of materials is also lower which means that innersprings manufactured in the aforementioned countries are produced at low-cost manufacturing hub around the world.

The ISPA reported that two United States agencies will decide upon the petition. First, the Department of Commerce will look into the matter and find out whether innersprings from other countries are being dumped into the United States as Leggett & Platt alleged. Next, the International Trade Commission will be deciding whether the dumped items are harming the United States innerspring industry.

The International Sleep Products Association reported that the Department of Commerce will be deciding by January 22 whether the allegation merits an investigation. The ITC will also hold a conference on the said date to present testimony and other information regarding the issue.

Immediate action is being requested by Leggett & Platt regarding the matter. It will be a matter of time before enterprising individuals will take advantage and start dumping furniture like patio chairs in the United States if no action is to be taken against it.

Chad Isenberg is an antique collector. This 33-year old is based in the Midwest constantly on the road looking for antiques. He is also venturing on his own furniture business. On his free time, he can be found designing new furniture/fixtures.

Source: www.articlesbase.com