Weirton Steel: Hot Rolled Cases

Import Chronology

Hot Rolled Cases

Cold Rolled Cases

Tin Mill Product Case

Current Status

Sept. 20, 1998	Weirton Steel, 11 other domestic steel producers and two steel unions, including Weirton’s Independent Steelworkers Union, file trade cases against Russia, Japan and Brazil, claiming the countries are violating U.S. trade laws by "dumping" hot-rolled steel into U.S. markets.
Nov. 13, 1998	The International Trade Commission unanimously rules that the domestic steel industry has been injured by hot-rolled steel imports from Russia, Japan and Brazil. The ruling enables the U.S. Commerce Department to begin its own investigation.
Feb. 12, 1999	The Commerce Department announces that Japan and Brazil have violated U.S. trade law and levels significant preliminary duties against the two countries. In addition, Brazil also was found to have benefited from government subsidies, also a violation of U.S. trade law.
April 29, 1999	The Commerce Department places tariffs of 67 percent on Japan’s hot-rolled steel imports. The tariff is considered a "lock-out rate," meaning it is so high that it will be virtually cost prohibitive for Japan to ship hot rolled to the U.S.
June 1999	U.S. reaches agreements with Russia and Brazil in the hot rolled case. In lieu of tariffs, Russia and Brazil agree to halt shipments of hot-rolled steel to U.S. for one year. A schedule also is developed that limits amounts that may be shipped and prices that may be set in subsequent years.
November 13, 2000	Weirton Steel Corp. announced that it, several other integrated steelmakers and organized labor have joined four mini-mill steel producers in filing trade cases today against 10 countries that ship hot-rolled to the U.s. The complainants allege the countries are selling hot rolled at prices that violate U.S. trade laws. The targeted countries include China, India, Indonesia, Argentina, South Africa, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Romania, Taiwan and the Ukraine. Countervailing duty cases alleging government subsidies also were filed against India, Indonesia, Argentina, South Africa and Thailand. The 10 countries represent nearly 60 percent of all hot-rolled steel shipped to the U.S. The four mini-mills that took the lead in the cases include Nucor Corp., Steel Dynamics Inc., Gallatin Steel Corp. and IPSCO Steel Inc. In addition to Weirton Steel and its Independent Steelworkers Union, the other integrated petitioners are Bethlehem Steel Corp., LTV Corp., National Steel Corp. and U.S. Steel Group. "This is the first time mini-mills have become involved in trade cases since the start 9of the steel crisis in 1998," said Weirton Steel President John Walker. "Their type of steelmaking is among the lowest cost and most efficient in the world. For them to be affected by imports speaks volumes on just how deep the devastation from imports has spread throughout our industry."
December 28, 2000	Weirton Steel Corp. officials are pleased with the preliminary decision by the U.S. International Trade Commission that the domestic steel industry has been injured by hot-rolled steel imports from 10 countries.In a unanimous vote, the ITC ruled the domestic industry has been harmed by hot rolled from China, India, Indonesia, Argentina, South Africa, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Romania, Taiwan and the Ukraine. The ITC’s 6-0 ruling now enables the U.S. Commerce Department to begin its own investigation. "This is another step forward in successfully combating illegal trade. While we are grateful for the ITC ruling, we still believe a comprehensive solution to the problem is needed. For the moment, trade cases are the only way to stop unfair imports. But they take a tremendous amount of time, energy and financial resources to prosecute. During the lengthy process, steel firms, their employees and communities suffer needlessly," said John H. Walker, Weirton Steel president."Weirton Steel remains committed to its fight for fair trading practices. We thank the other parties involved in this case, in particular the Independent Steelworkers Union here at Weirton."
January 11, 2000	In a conversation with Ohio Gov. Bob Taft, Weirton Steel President John Walker today offered three proposals for ending the steel import crisis in hopes that the governor takes the recommendations to Washington. After he investigates the import problem, Taft said he will offer possible solutions to the Bush administration. Last week, Taft spoke with Vice President-elect Dick Cheney about the situation. "Our conversation was constructive," Walker said. "Weirton Steel may be a West Virginia-based company, but Gov. Taft recognizes the problem as a national issue that is adversely impacting steel companies, steelworkers and communities."

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