NC West Virginia News

Cleveland-Cliffs, the largest flat-rolled steel producer in North America, has announced the closure of their tinplate steel production plant in Weirton. This closure comes as a devastating blow to the hardworking steelworkers in West Virginia.

The tin produced in Weirton has been a crucial component in the production of food packaging and other containers. However, unfair foreign competition has put the plant at risk. In January 2023, Cleveland-Cliffs, along with the United Steelworkers, filed antidumping and countervailing duty petitions with the Department of Commerce.

After a thorough investigation, the Department of Commerce found evidence of foreign unfair dumping and subsidization. As a result, tariffs were announced to address these issues. However, the International Trade Commission rejected these tariffs, siding with the cheap foreign competitors.

Congressman Alex X. Mooney, who had previously toured the Cleveland-Cliffs plant, expressed his disappointment in the closure. He had been aware of the threat of unfair foreign competition and had urged the Department of Commerce to take action to protect American jobs.

"The Cleveland-Cliffs closure is an absolute blow to our hardworking West Virginia steelworkers," Congressman Mooney stated. "When I toured Cleveland-Cliffs, we discussed the threat of unfair foreign competition and how it put the plant at risk. As a result of my meetings, I talked with the Department of Commerce and urged them to crack down on unfair foreign competition and save these jobs. The Department of Commerce sided with us, but the globalist, Democrat-led International Trade Commission sided with the cheap foreign competitors and as a result, another American plant was closed."

The closure of the plant in Weirton is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by American industries in the global market. The decision by the International Trade Commission highlights the need for stronger measures to protect domestic businesses from unfair competition.

As the steel industry continues to face uncertainties, it is crucial for policymakers and trade authorities to work together to create a level playing field. The closure of the Cleveland-Cliffs plant serves as a wake-up call to address the issue of unfair dumping and subsidization by foreign competitors.

The impact of this closure on the local community and the steelworkers cannot be overstated. Efforts must be made to support these workers and explore opportunities for reemployment and economic revitalization in the region.

The closure of the Cleveland-Cliffs plant in Weirton is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by American industries in the global market. It underscores the need for stronger measures to protect domestic businesses from unfair competition. The words of Congressman Mooney serve as a call to action for policymakers and trade authorities to address this issue and safeguard American jobs.