The US Department of Commerce's decision to revoke a outdated 'suspension agreement' with Russia has been applauded by the AIST because it means that anti-dumping duties can now be imposed on imports of hot-rolled steel from Russia to the USA.
“This agreement, which was entered into 15 years ago, was designed for a different era and is clearly no longer working. Our industry should not have to endure injury from surging imports of Russian hot-rolled steel that are coming into this country under a deal that no longer serves its intended purpose. On behalf of domestic steelmakers, we welcome Commerce’s decision and are grateful for the support of the chairmen of the Congressional Steel Caucus, as well as Congressman Rick Crawford (R-AR), who have urged this action,” said Thomas J. Gibson, president and CEO of AISI.
Gibson was also pleased with the decision of the International Trade Commision to recognise that the surge in rebar imports has caused damage to the American steel industry and its workers.
“While we remain disappointed and surprised that the Department of Commerce last month did not provide for full relief against unfairly traded Turkish rebar imports, we are encouraged that today’s vote now clears the way for import duties, he said on 14 October when ITC commissioners voted unanimously in favour of a complaint brough by Nucor Corp, Byer Steel, Cascade Steel, Commercial Metals Co and Gerdau Long Products North America.
