D.C. - U.S. Rep. Tim Roemer issued the following statement today following the release of a study by the U.S. Department of Commerce on the causes and effects of the 1998 and 1999 steel dumping crisis. I commend the Administration for issuing this comprehensive report on developing a strategy to guard against future steel dumping like that which took such a heavy toll on workers and the industry during the past two years. U.S. trade law must have the teeth and bite necessary to penalize foreign countries that practice unfair trade.
American workers deserve a level playing field.
The Commerce Department report documents the unfair trade practices of foreign steel producers that caused that crisis. It makes clear that Japan, Brazil, and Russia all illegally dumped steel in the United States at up to 70 percent below normal prices. Last year I cosponsored legislation approved by the House that would curb the ability of foreign companies to illegally dump steel in the United States. Congress must continue to pursue steps to make sure that we have sound, effective trade laws that guard against anti-competitive practices and guarantee free and fair trade.