ITC Rules In Support of Vallourec Star, Pipe Producers

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — The United States International Trade Commission on Thursday issued a final determination that found imported seamless pipe from Czechia has “materially injured” a pipe and tube producer here because these imports are sold at less than fair value in the U.S. 

Last year, Vallourec Star L.P., which operates a seamless pipe mill along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, filed countervailing and antidumping petitions before the commission prompting an investigation into low-priced imports from Czechia, Korea, Ukraine and Russia. 

As a result of the ruling, the U.S. Department of Commerce will issue antidumping duties on imported seamless carbon and alloy steel standard, line, and pressure pipe from Czechia, according to a statement issued by the ITC.  

The amount of the duties was not disclosed. 

The ITC ruling Thursday affects imports from just Czechia. It was not clear when the ITC would rule on imports from the other countries named in the petition. 

Chair Jason E. Kearns, Vice Chair Randolph J. Stayin, and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Amy A. Karpel voted in favor of the measure. 

The Commission’s public report “Seamless Carbon and Alloy Steel Standard, Line, and Pressure Pipe from Czechia” will contain the views of the commission and information developed during the investigation. The report will be made available May 4, the ITC said. 

U.S. Rep Tim Ryan, D-13, of Ohio, said that imposing duties on unfair imports is a step in the right direction to protect American jobs.

“This is great news for Vallourec and our entire region,” Ryan said in a statement. “As our country begins to put the COVID-19 pandemic behind us, it is more important than ever to ensure that we continue to protect American jobs and industry. It is critical that we keep fighting to make sure our workers have the tools and resources they need to challenge these unfair trade practices and assist regain their footing so they can fairly compete now and in the future. I will continue to stand up for Ohio workers.” 

Last month, Ryan testified before the ITC and called on the commission to rule in favor of Vallourec. In July of 2020, Ryan wrote a letter of support to USITC Chairman Jason Kearns on behalf of Vallourec’s petitions.

Vallourec employs 500 workers and has invested over $1 billion into its Youngstown operations between 2012 and 2020 to build a new, modern seamless pipe plant.  An affiliated company, VAM USA, operates a threading mill in the city. 

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.