Section 201 Presidential Decision Not Embraced--The eagerly awaited decision by President Clinton was finally issued in the Section 201 trade case against wire rod in February 12, 2000. Although it proved to be disappointing to the wire industry, it wasn't as destructive as it could have been had the petitioners' initial request of a 50% tariff been granted. The relief decision went into effect on March 1, 2000.--Full Story--
AWPA Annual MeetingA Big Success--AWPA's Annual Meeting in San Diego, California offered attendees lots of new insight and information on the world economic outlook; trends in globalization; upcoming congressional and presidential elections; what's new from several rod mills; and the presidential decision on the section 201 trade case against wire rod.--Full Story--
Inside Washington--Trade issues discussed include Africa Free Trade/Caribbean Basin Initiative, China Normal Trade Relations (NTR), US Membership in WTO, and Trade Bills. Environmental/Regulatory issues discussed include Ergonomics, Proposal to Lower the Lead TRI Reporting Threshold, PM 2.5, and TRI and Phosphoric Acid. Other legislative issues discussed include Electricity Deregulation and Patients' Bill of Rights.--Full Story--
WTO Deals Serious Blow to US Firms-Last month, the World Trade Organization (WTO) upheld the European Union's (EU) complaint against "foreign sales corporations" (FSCs), tax-avoidance vehicles that the WTO says act as illegal export subsidies for firms based in the US. FSCs allow American-based firms to avoid taxes by channeling foreign income through offshore tax havens. The
White House estimates that this ruling could cost US companies $4 billion next year, and $25 billion over the next five years.--Full Story--
Meetings & Membership--Headlines include "Return to Rancho Bernardo", "DUSSELDORF - Here We Come!", "Former Industry Member Offers 'Grandfatherly' Advice", and "Aaron Steps Down"--Full Story--
France Readies Emission Reduction Proposals--The French government will unveil measures to reduce the production of greenhouse gases, including a tax on carbon emissions. An "eco-tax" on steel, among others, would be one of 100 measures that Prime Minister Lionel Jospin has proposed as a way to meet the requirements of the
Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change. The tax would be about $23 to $31 per ton
of carbon, and would go into effect in 2001.
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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
