DOC calls producers to submit their suggestions for SIMA

DOC calls producers to submit their suggestions for SIMA

With a notice released in the Federal Register today, the US Department of Commerce (DOC) announced that it requests steel producers to submit their suggestions on whether to extend the Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis (SIMA) system, and if so how, to improve SIMA. As previously reported by SteelOrbis, White House implemented a monitoring system for steel imports effective as of February 1, 2003. The purpose of SIMA was to detect the level of steel imports into the country and inform the industry about the figures so that they have knowledge about market situation. The safeguard measures were lifted in December 2003 but it was determined that the SIMA was to remain in effect till March 21, 2005. However, domestic steel producers, having concerns about the rising imports demanded the system to be permanent. Accordingly, in July 2004 the US Representatives introduced a bill to the government that would extend SIMA. Now DOC is considering whether it should modify the scope of the current system to either cover additional products or remove certain products from SIMA. Comments and suggestions on SIMA should be submitted to DOC by 5pm, September 24, 2004 at the latest.