US manufacturers seek to end duties on corrosion-resistant steel

The Motor Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) have joined the group of six automakers with a view to lobbying the International Trade Commission (ITC) to end duties on rust-resistant steel. Representing US manufacturers which employ a total of several hundred thousand Americans, MEMA and PMA have called on the US ITC to revoke antidumping and countervailing duties on corrosion-resistant steel imports from six countries. MEMA and PMA agree with US automakers that the steel sector no longer needs trade protection and that money-losing car makers need greater access to cheaper imported steel. MEMA and PMA warn that the continuation of the duties will cause financial harm to the US automotive manufacturers and force member companies to move offshore or possibly even close their operations entirely. MEMA Vice President for Government Affairs, Ann Wilson stated, "Without access to dependable supplies at competitive prices, the US automotive parts industry will continue to suffer. At the same time, the steel industry has restructured and is enjoying record profitability. The industry also enjoys protection from competition in the form of 160 antidumping and countervailing orders on imported steel products. The duties on corrosion-resistant steel are simply no longer necessary." Expected to take a final vote in December 2006, the ITC is conducting a “sunset review” to determine whether to terminate antidumping and countervailing duties on corrosion-resistant steel.