A U.S. government investigation has been launched to determine whether seven foreign businesses have engaged in unfair competition and intellectual property infringement by their importation of foundry coke products. The U.S. International Trade Commission investigation is based on a complaint filed on behalf of SunCoke Technology and Development LLC and Jewell Coke Company L.P., both of Lisle, IL, who requested the USITC to issue a limited exclusion order and cease-and-desist orders against the foreign businesses.

The USITC is an independent federal agency that investigates the impact of imports on domestic industries, and arbitrates intellectual property disputes related to imported goods. Its investigation is authorized under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, which prohibits unfair methods of competition and other actions (i.e., patent, trademark, and copyright infringement) resulting from their importation or sale of products into the U.S.

Foundry coke is a high-density carbon product made by heating premium bituminous coal to about 2,000°F in an oxygen-free atmosphere. The material is mainly used as fuel and carbon source in melting iron and other metals.

The United States imported 374,000 tons of coke during 2025 (metallurgical grade and foundry coke), with a reported total value of $129 million. Most of the imported coke came from Canada, followed by the Czech Republic, Italy, South Africa, and Colombia.

The businesses identified for investigation are MTX Group a.s., OKK Koksovny a.s., Ostrava-Přívoz, and METALIMEX a.s., all of the Czech Republic; METALIMEX Deutschland GmbH, Germany; AMEX Coal Sp. z o.o., Poland; and Italiana Coke S.r.l. and Terminal Alti Fondali Savona S.r.l., both of Italy.

According to the USITC announcement, the investigation will be assigned to one of the USITC’s administrative law judges, who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337 - and that initial determination is subject to review by the commission.

Once the investigation begins, the USITC will have 45 days to set a target date for its completion.

The commission added it will make a final determination in the investigation “at the earliest practicable time”.

In section 337 cases, USITC remedial orders are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance, unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative during that 60-day period.