Steel Products
U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk Resigns
Written by Sandy Williams
January 28, 2013
Written by: Sandy Williams
The American Iron and Steel Institute commended Ambassador Ron Kirk for his cooperation with the steel industry during his four years of tenure in the Administration. AISI President and CEO Tom Gibson issued the following statement.
“Ambassador Kirk is a dedicated public servant who helped lead U.S. trade policy at a critical time in the progression of our nation’s trade agenda. The steel industry has appreciated his advocacy in the expansion of rules-based trade, which so profoundly affects our businesses, employees and communities. By bringing an unprecedented number of WTO cases, he strongly championed U.S. interests and focused on American jobs. We especially congratulate him on his success at the WTO regarding China’s violations of its WTO obligations when it limited exports of certain critical raw materials to protect its own manufacturers. This was a hard-fought and well-deserved victory, and one for which the steel industry will always be grateful. It was a great honor to work with Ambassador Kirk and we wish him well in his future successes.”
Ambassador Kirk, as a member of the Cabinet, serves as President Obama’s principal trade advisor, negotiator and spokesman on trade issues. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in March 2009 and is recognized for developing proactive trade policies for the United States. His position with the Administration will end in late February.
Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Steel Products
CRU: EC to toughen steel safeguards
The European Commission proposes cutting its steel import quota by almost half, with volumes exceeding the limit facing 50% duties. The region’s steel industry welcomes the move, while other steel-producing nations fear the consequences. CRU published an insight before this announcement, noting that more restrictive trade policy could significantly raise the cost of marginal supply […]
US and Canadian rig counts stabilize
US counts continue to hover just above historic lows, while Canadian figures remain comparatively healthy.
Plate market sources critique mill hikes amid current market conditions
Following spot market plate price increase notices issued by domestic mills this past week, participants are contemplating the rationale behind the increases and whether they will stick. Some sources anticipate that current market conditions will shift in November and believe the increases may set a new "pricing floor."
Oregon Steel Mills lifts plate prices by $60/ton
Oregon Steel Mills has joined other producers in announcing a price increase of at least $60 per short ton on steel plate.
CRU: Construction of pilot plant for green steel process starts
Voestalpine and partners have begun building an industrial-scale Hy4Smelt demonstration plant in Linz, Austria, which they hope will become key in the decarbonization of steel.