U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky testified before the U.S. International Trade Commission—for the third time this year—this time on a case involving antidumping duties on hot-rolled steel from Brazil, Japan, and Russia.

Hot-rolled is manufactured at the ArcelorMittal’s mills in Burns Harbor and East Chicago and at U.S. Steel Corporation’s mill in Gary.

An excerpt from Visclosky’s testimony:

“As I stated last week, we have a duty and obligation to ensure that American workers can compete on a fair playing field. This week, we have another opportunity to show that we are committed to fighting for American jobs and not allowing them to be placed in jeopardy.

“As you are well aware, hot-rolled steel is a critical component of our economy, and it is used extensively in the automobile and construction industry. It is also used to manufacture appliances, industrial machinery, agricultural equipment, and pipe and tubes that transport gas and liquid across our county. Hot-rolled steel is also a critical component of the steel industry in the First Congressional District of Indiana, as it is manufactured at the ArcelorMittal plants in Burns Harbor and East Chicago, and at the United States Steel Corporation plant in Gary.

“Since 2004, when the last review of these orders took place, U.S. consumption of hot-rolled steel has declined from 73.1 tons in 2004 to 56 tons in 2010. I also would point out that there were 30,598 production workers in 1999 when the relief under consideration today went into effect, and last year there were 21,682 production workers.

“Looking at the uses of hot-rolled steel I understand that there is a direct correlation between the strength of the entire economy and the production of hot-rolled steel. As our economy is still in a very fragile state, it is more pertinent than ever to ensure that American steelworkers are able to continue to provide for American needs and that these duties remain in place. Failure to do so only would encourage foreign countries to resume their unfair trading practices that cost American jobs. We cannot allow that to happen.

“This past year the Department of Commerce reported that revocation of this relief would lead to a continuation of dumping at margins of 41.27 percent to 43.4 percent for Brazil, 17.7 percent to 40.26 percent for Japan, and 73.59 percent to 184.56 percent for Russia. They also stated that the countervailing duties on hot-rolled steel from Brazil would likely lead to continuation of a countervailable subsidy.

“As you proceed in your just and thorough consideration of this case, I would encourage you to show the world that we are committed to ensuring that American workers can compete on a level playing field, and I urge you to reach affirmative determinations with respect to all of the relief at hand.”

Posted 4/7/2011