NC West Virginia News

WASHINGTON - The U.S Department of Commerce has recently announced its findings regarding the unfair pricing and dumping of tin mill products into the American market from China, Germany, and South Korea. These imports have been detrimental to the domestic steel industry, specifically American tin mill producers. The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) will now review the findings to determine if tariffs should be imposed to protect the industry.

The issue was brought to light in January 2023 when Cleveland-Cliffs and the United Steelworkers (USW) jointly filed an antidumping and countervailing duty trade case. They alleged that the influx of dumped and subsidized tin mill product imports had caused significant harm to Cleveland-Cliffs' Weirton operation and its USW workforce.

Congressman Alex X. Mooney, who had previously visited the Cleveland Cliffs facility in Weirton and spoken to the steelworkers, applauded the findings of the Department of Commerce. He highlighted the importance of addressing unfair trade practices that have been detrimental to the U.S industry. Congressman Mooney urged the ITC to allow for the implementation of tariffs to level the playing field and protect West Virginia businesses from unfair foreign competition.

In a statement, Congressman Mooney said, "In August, I toured the Cleveland Cliffs facility in Weirton and heard directly from our hardworking steelworkers about how unfair trade practices were hurting U.S industry. I commend the Department of Commerce for their findings and urge the ITC to allow for the collection of tariffs to level the playing field. I will continue to stand up for West Virginia businesses facing unfair foreign competition."

The findings by the Department of Commerce and the subsequent actions by the ITC demonstrate a commitment to protect American industries from unfair trade practices. The imposition of tariffs on the unfairly traded tin mill products would provide relief to the domestic steel industry and help safeguard the jobs and livelihoods of American steelworkers.

The steel industry plays a vital role in the economy of West Virginia, and the actions taken to address unfair imports will have a positive impact on the state's businesses and workers. Congressman Mooney's support for these measures reflects his dedication to championing the interests of West Virginia and ensuring a level playing field for its industries.

As the ITC reviews the Department of Commerce's findings, the hope is that they will recognize the harm caused by these unfairly traded imports and take the necessary steps to protect the American steel industry. The implementation of tariffs would not only support the steelworkers in Weirton but also send a strong message that the U.S. will not tolerate unfair trade practices that harm American businesses.

The efforts of Congressman Mooney and the Department of Commerce to address unfair imports and support the steel industry in West Virginia are commendable. By standing up for American businesses and workers, they are working towards a stronger and fairer economy for all.