AWPA participated in the injury hearing of the Section 201 Investigation on Steel, which was initiated by the President as part of his three point Steel Program. Among the products being investigated are carbon and alloy steel wire; stainless wire; strand, rope, cable and cordage; and nails, staples and woven cloth.
The hearing in front of the International Trade Commission (ITC) was quite grueling for the AWPA witnesses, who did not get to start their remarks until after 6:00 pm. Even after a full day of testimony, all of the Commissioners were present until after 9:00 pm when the wire industry witnesses completed their testimony and answered three rounds of questions.
AWPA made many points during the hearing and in the briefs, including:
- Throughout the period of investigation, imports of these products have surged from 30% to 60%. Imports have been, and continue to be, a substantial cause of the serious injury that afflicts American producers of wire and wire products.
- The domestic wire industry has been seriously injured, as capacity utilization rates are declining, companies cannot sustain a reasonable level of profits, and workers are losing their jobs.
- The domestic wire and wire products industry is efficient, entrepreneurial and resourceful, with a dedicated workforce and modern equipment. Further, it has a tradition of flexibility in responding to changing market conditions and in developing and adopting new technologies. However, the increased and unforeseen level of imports during the period of investigation has robbed the industry of much of its vitality ? through lost sales, declining profits, and reduced market share. Without relief, this downward cycle will most likely continue.
- If given the opportunity through meaningful relief, the industry can make the adjustments that will enable it to compete successfully with imports.
The ITC is expected to make its injury recommendations on or about October 22, 2001. In the event of affirmative injury findings, the hearings for the remedy phase are set to begin on November 5th. The ITC is expected to issue its remedy recommendations by December 24, 2001. President Bush then has two months to make his final decision, or by February 22, 2002.
AWPA wishes to thank the following individuals for participating and testifying at the ITC's Steel 201 hearing:
Strand:
Brian Burr, Sumiden Wire Products Corporation
Tim Selhorst, American Spring Wire Corporation
Nails:
Richard Wagner, Insteel Wire Products Company
David Libla, Mid-Continent Nail
Carbon Wire:
Richard Wagner, Insteel Wire Products Company
Cheryl Coelho, ECD, Inc.
Tim Selhorst, American Spring Wire Corporation
Stainless Wire:
Mike Wallace, Loos & Company
Cheryl Coelho, ECD, Inc.
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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
