U. S. Steel and USW file trade cases on corrosion-resistant steel imports

On September 5, 2024, U. S. Steel, in collaboration with the United Steelworkers union and Wheeling-Nippon, filed antidumping and countervailing duty petitions with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission. This action targets imports of corrosion-resistant steel from several countries, including Australia, Brazil, and Vietnam, which are perceived to be sold at unfairly low prices due to subsidies. The petitions represent the largest trade cases initiated by U. S. Steel in nearly a decade, reflecting the company's ongoing commitment to combat unfair trade practices. Duane D. Holloway, a senior executive at U. S. Steel, emphasized the importance of these cases in restoring fair competition in the U.S. steel market. He noted that the influx of low-priced and subsidized steel imports threatens domestic production and jobs. The company aims to protect its investments in new facilities, including a dual coating line and a second mini-mill in Arkansas, which are crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the industry. Wheeling-Nippon's participation as a petitioner highlights a collective effort among steel producers to advocate for their workers and the industry as a whole. The anticipated actions by the Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission are expected to unfold over the coming months, with preliminary conferences scheduled soon. Final decisions from the DOC and ITC are not expected until October 2025, indicating a lengthy process ahead. This initiative underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the U.S. steel industry in navigating international trade dynamics and the importance of regulatory measures to ensure a level playing field.