JUNE 1998  VOL. 8, NO. 2  IN THE NEWS The International Staple, Nail and Tool Association (ISANTA) recently announced the completion of its latest National Evaluation report for staples and nails used in building construction. The report expands on schedules found in the BOCA National Building Code, ICBO Uniform Building Code, SBCCI Standard Building Code, and the One and Two Family Dwelling Code. The reports covers power driven fasteners which are manufactured by several members of AWPA. Complimentary copies may be obtained by calling ISANTA at (708) 482-8138. To assist a unified North American approach to international standards, AWPA has agreed to monitor the work of ISO Subcommittee 17, presently chaired by consultant Augusto Sason of Jacksonville, Florida. AWPA and Wire Association International will jointly host a reception in Cleveland, Ohio on May 31 when the ISO subcommittee will hold its meeting in the United States. In New York City, ANSI serves as the US member of the International Organization for Standardization. Participation in the work of various steel-related committees is delegated by ANSI to ASTM A01.95 committee headed by Sam Tyson, a consultant based out of Sinking Spring, PA. Following the highly publicized activity with the Carbon and Stainless Steel Rod Cases this year, the International Trade Commission has issued its Annual Report for Fiscal Year 1997. Information regarding the recent rod trade cases is included. For more information, visit the ITC website at www.itc.gov. The Japan Steel Information Center recently released a report entitled "Japanese Steel in Today's Global Economic Environment". This informative pamphlet documents the decrease in overall steel production and exports from Japan as a percentage of world production over the last twenty years. Of particular interest is the continuing downward trend of US imports from Japan, measured both in tonnage and as a percentage of total steel demand. AWPA members will note many Japan/US joint ventures that have changed the face of the industry in America. One quarter of all workers in the American steel industry work at facilities with some percentage of Japanese ownership. The pamphlet closes with the ways in which the Japanese steel industry has addressed environmental issues for the future. To receive a copy of this pamphlet, write to Charles Butler, Japan Steel Information Center, 60 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10165, or e-mail: ceb@ix.netcom.com. Back to Wireline Contents American Wire Producers Association 801 North Fairfax Street, Suite 211 Alexandria, VA 22314-1757 Tel (703) 299-4434 | Fax (703) 299-9233 | E-mail info@awpa.org | Web: www.awpa.org