Trade Cases
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/media/k2/items/src/a1b6beb685834c2fc296fc190e791b68.jpg)
USW Suspends Section 201 Petition on Aluminum Imports
Written by Sandy Williams
April 24, 2016
The United Steelworkers have retracted their petition to bring Section 201 action on imports of primary unwrought aluminum. The USW filed the petition on April 18 but is suspending it due to lack of industry support. The April 22 statement from the USW follows:
“We have decided to suspend our petition seeking action to restore competitive prices in the U.S. and global primary unwrought aluminum markets,” said USW International President Leo W. Gerard. “Our goal, as outlined in the petition and in the relief sought, was to address the root cause of the problem that has devastated aluminum production and employment in the United States: China’s overcapacity and its predatory and protectionist trade policies.
“China’s overcapacity has swamped world markets. Capacity additions in many sectors are continuing, despite Chinese government statements to the contrary. Export-led growth strategies have not stopped. It is decimating American manufacturing and employment as well as industries and workers around the globe.
“The petition we filed was based on the tools available. We believe the Section 201 case would have resulted in immediate price increases that would have helped to maintain domestic production and employment as well as ensuring that producers in the United States and Canada would be able to obtain a fairer price for their products. Many in the industry refused to support the case.
“These are complex issues and many parties are placing short-term interests over the long-term viability of the sector. This opposition could have resulted in no relief for the remaining domestic industry and our members.
“Workers in the United States and Canada have many common interests in this sector. U.S. and Canadian officials recognize the serious threats facing our industries and have been engaged in meaningful discussions at the most senior levels. We are hopeful that this engagement will provide the necessary resolution needed for a long-term solution.
“In just a few days, many U.S. senators and representatives have demonstrated strong support for the workers across this country who have lost their jobs or whose jobs are in jeopardy. This support will be needed in the days ahead to make sure that any international engagement will provide the needed relief from these ongoing, market-destroying Chinese policies.
“Senator Ron Wyden deserves special recognition for his efforts in this in the Senate as does Congressman Sandy Levin, a strong advocate for our members’ interests in the House.”
“I am proud to stand with the Steelworkers and Leo Gerard in the fight for strong trade enforcement,” said Senator Wyden. “This case was brought to address China’s overcapacity and market-distorting behavior that is destroying good-paying American jobs.
“Within a few days, by working together, we have sparked long-overdue discussions that we hope will lead to a coordinated effort to address this critical problem.”
“World markets are under attack by China’s trade practices,” said Gerard. “China’s leaders say they know they have to change, but actions speak louder than words. Hopefully, government officials can work together to foster fair and stable markets that support North American production and jobs. Workers in aluminum, steel and many other sectors are facing a crisis that needs resolution.”
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/sandy-williams.jpeg)
Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Trade Cases
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/fist.png)
Steel industry groups urge House action on LTPF 2.0
Six steel industry organizations have urged House Speaker Mike Johnson to include the Leveling the Playing Field 2.0 Act in any proposed package of legislation against China’s "unfair" trade practices.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/CRU-Logo-2023-07-21-at-4.35.41-PM.png)
CRU: Poor steel margins continue to push down raw material prices
Both iron ore and coking coal prices fell this week because of resistance from buyers. Iron ore prices have continued to fall throughout the past week, following sharp declines in steel prices in China, given no new policy announcement from the ‘Third Plenum’ meeting.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/CRU-Logo-2023-07-21-at-4.35.41-PM.png)
CRU: Imports cause concern in India and Vietnam
High levels of steel imports, especially from China, in recent months are worrying steel makers in India and Vietnam.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/Price-Alan-FullRes-3000px-scaled.jpg)
Price: The new greenwashing – subsidies to bail out obsolete, excess capacity
The United Kingdom and other countries are using the “green” label to subsidize bailouts of obsolete, inefficient, and excess capacity that should exit the market. US steelmakers have invested billions of dollars in technologies that curb greenhouse gas output. These investments have been market-based and led by EAF producers such as Nucor, Steel Dynamics, and CMC.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/AISI.png)
AISI, AISC, University of Massachusetts get ~$6.4M EPA grant
The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst have received a grant to enhance emissions reporting for steel construction projects.