Steel Mills
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/media/k2/items/src/3422e148ddb593897ce6f89da4ec59eb.jpg)
Cliffs to Lay Off 300 at Weirton Citing "Unfair" Imports
May 15, 2023
Cleveland-Cliffs is preparing to lay off approximately 300 workers at its Weirton, W.Va., tin mill operations in June due to “dumped and subsidized imports,” according to a press release from Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.).
The Cleveland-based steelmaker invested more than $50 million over two years in the Weirton plant to increase production. Census data indicates that tin mill imports “surged” by more than 37% between 2019 and 2022, according to the release, which was dated Friday, May 12.
“Make no mistake, the loss of jobs in Weirton is a direct result of the dumping of imported tin mill products in our domestic market,” Manchin said.
“I am adamant that we focus on returning these manufacturing jobs to the United States, but we must protect the jobs that remain in places like Weirton,” the senator added.
Cliffs’ chairman, president and CEO Lourenco Goncalves echoed that sentiment.
“Once again, unfair trade practices are harming good-paying, union jobs,” he said, noting that Cliffs and the United Steelworkers (USW) union had jointly filed a trade case against imported tin mill products.
He noted that the company appreciated the support from Sen. Manchin, Sen. Capito (R., W.Va.) and other influential elected officials. “We are optimistic that this critically important trade case will succeed.”
USW Local 2911 president Mark Glyptis also expressed his gratitude. Local 2911 represents the Weirton mill.
“With the help of Sen. Manchin, his colleagues in the United States Congress and continued support from our state and local officials, we are confident we will stop these unfair practices,” he said.
In early February, Manchin and Capito, along with other elected officials, signed a letter expressing support for the trade case.
The ITC made a preliminary determination the tin mill imports had caused injury to domestic producers. The Commerce Department in early March set preliminary antidumping margins ranging from 46.76% to 296.04%.
By Ethan Bernard, ethan@steelmarketupdate.com
Latest in Steel Mills
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/Nucor.png)
Nucor lowers 2024 output estimate for Brandenburg plate mill
Nucor has lowered the 2024 production estimate for its Brandenburg, Ky., plate mill due to soft market conditions.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/SSAB.png)
SSAB adjusts output in weak Q3, readies for Q4 rebound
SSAB said lower plate prices in the US were the primary reason for reduced results in the second quarter. With a dismal Q3 outlook, the Swedish steelmaker is adjusting production across its facilities. That includes moving up its annual US mill outage in anticipation of a better Q4. SSAB Americas Revenues in the Americas segment […]
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/Nucor.png)
Topalian puts focus on “unfair” trade, eyes USMCA partners
Nucor’s top executive expressed concerns over unfair trade practices, highlighting increased steel imports from Mexico and Canada.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/Cliffs_logo2.2.png)
Cliffs sees close of Stelco buy, bottom to steel tags, and Mexico out of USMCA
Cleveland-Cliffs expects its acquisition of Canada’s Stelco to close later this year, which will help the the Cleveland-based steelmaker as a bottom to steel tags nears.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/Nucor.png)
Nucor posts lower Q2 earnings, predicts tough Q3 too
Nucor recording lower second quarter earnings on falling steel prices. And the Charlotte, N.C.-based predicted that profits would be lower still in the third quarter, primarily because of weaker results from its steel mills divisions.