U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky testified at an International Trade Commission hearing Thursday morning in support of extending tariffs on a range of imported steel products in an effort to support domestic producers.
Visclosky, D–Ind., testified in Washington that countervailing duties should continue being added to certain types of welded pipe and tube from Turkey and antidumping duties should continue on products from Brazil, India, Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey.
The tariffs on the products were last extended in 2007 and the International Trade Commission is leading the five–year sunset review to find out if revoking them would directly result in material harm to domestic firms.
"There are approximately 1,500 American workers involved in the production of these pipes and tubes right now, and they depend on our trade laws to compete and succeed in this global economy," Visclosky said in prepared remarks to the commission. "As our fragile economy is beginning to recover, now is a critical time to ensure that these workers are able to provide their products to American infrastructure and energy projects."
He said members of the Congressional Steel Caucus are planning to send a letter to government officials in support of extending the tariffs. Also speaking at the event in support of extending the duties were domestic companies that produce tubular products such as Allied Tube and Conduit and JMC Steel.
A representative from the Turkish Pipe Manufacturers Association spoke in support of ending the tariffs. A vote on the matter could happen as early as next month.
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