Sen. Casey hails agency’s steel dumping probe

The Department of Commerce’s decision to initiate a steel antidumping (AD) investigation into practices by three nations is being praised by Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA).

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross recently announced the agency’s intent to launch an investigation regarding China, Italy, and Taiwan while also examining alleged unfair Chinese subsidies.

Casey said he stands in full support of the effort.

“I’m encouraged by this announcement from Department of Commerce,” Casey said. “As I have outlined in a number of letters and conversations, we must take the threat of unfair trade practices seriously. When countries cheat, we must go after them with everything we have. These investigations are a step in the right direction, but I will continue pressing the Administration until we have concrete answers.”

Commerce officials said the investigations would work to determine whether imports of forged steel fittings from China, Italy, and Taiwan are being dumped in the American market at less than fair value while also attempting to determine whether Chinese producers of forged steel fittings are receiving unfair government subsidies.

The International Trade Commission (ITC) will make preliminary determinations in the coming month, officials said, noting the ITC’s findings would determine if the Department of Commerce investigations continue.