U.S. clad steel plate producers obtain favorable sunset review determination in ITC antidumping case

Domestic producers of clad steel plate are applauding the U.S. International Trade Commission's determination today that revoking the antidumping duty order on imports of clad plate from Japan would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of injury to the U.S. industry. The ITC's determination comes on the heels of a Commerce Department finding that the foreign producers subject to the order were likely to resume dumping at a margin of 118.53 percent if the order was revoked.

"This is a very positive result for the domestic clad steel plate industry," said Kathleen Cannon, a partner at Kelley Drye & Warren and counsel to the domestic clad plate industry in this matter. "The significant volume of dumped imports from Japan likely to enter the United States absent this order would decimate the U.S. industry. The vote is an important step in preserving these U.S. manufacturing operations and the jobs of workers in this industry."

The existing trade order has been in place since 1996. The five-year review of this order was initiated on February 1, 2012. As a result of today's vote, the order will remain in place for an additional five years before another sunset review is undertaken.

"There is a demand for highly-skilled professionals who can design, program, and operate technology, and we don’t see that demand subsiding for decades," said Traci Tapani, NBT board chair and co-president of Wyoming Machine Inc., a metal fabrication services company in Stacy, Minn. "Creating a skilled manufacturing workforce is vital to the American economy, and it all starts with introducing young people to the career potential in this sector and providing an engaging hands-on experience. Inspiring youth to consider these trades will have a positive effect on graduation rates, increase the chance for them to earn a living wage, and create a more qualified workforce in the participating communities," Tapani added.

Clad steel plate is a flat-rolled, corrosion-resistant steel plate product. It is used to manufacture vessels or structures for heavy industry projects where corrosion-resistant qualities are essential. The domestic producers of clad steel plate who participated in this review are ArcelorMittal USA and Dynamic Materials Corp. ArcelorMittal USA's clad plate manufacturing operations are located in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, and Dynamic Material Corporation's operations are located in Mt. Braddock, Pennsylvania.