Stainless tube imports surging from China and Korea

Imports of seamless stainless steel tube from China and Korea are surging into the U.S. market, according to the Stainless Steel Tube Trade Advancement Committee (SSTTAC).

"Imports from China through October 2014 have doubled over the same period last year based on U.S. government official trade data," said David A. Hartquist, counsel to the SSTTAC and a partner in the law firm Kelley Drye & Warren, Washington, D.C. “The average unit value of the Chinese imports is by far the lowest of all significant exporters to the U.S. This raises a question as to whether the Chinese product is being dumped in our market. Imports from Korea also are up substantially, increasing by 49 percent over the same period in 2013. The SSTTAC will continue its active monitoring of such imports and determine what actions should be taken."

The SSTTAC, which comprises U.S. producers of seamless stainless steel pipe and tube, promotes domestic manufacturing of high-quality seamless stainless steel tubing. Member companies produce tubing to industry and consumer specifications in accordance with guidelines and requirements of accreditation societies.