Longhi Talks Antidumping in WV

Oil and gas energy development can lead to a resurgence of U.S. manufacturing said Longhi. He reiterated the need to fight dumping of OCTG products from South Korea that are used in the oil and gas industries. Longhi reminded attendees that the steel industry won its battle against China dumping of OCTG products in 2009 but lost growth potential during the period.

“The energy boom created a very significant opportunity, but the market share was captured by imports,” Longhi said. “The domestic suppliers never had the chance to compete on a level playing field. And here we are again, two and a half years later, having to fight the same battle.”

The anti-dumping cases should concern West Virginia coal makers, because domestic OCTG steel products are made using metallurgical coal, he said.

Government regulation, unclear tax codes and energy policies, and lack of guidance are holding back economic growth said Longhi.

“It’s a very complex situation that is basically being created by our own government.”
(Source: Charleston Daily Mail)