CHICAGO, Ill. – Zekelman Industries, the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America, on Friday announced a court victory that its CEO said will protect Pennsylvania manufacturers from discriminatory trade practices.
The ruling stems from a Wheatland Tube petition under the Public Works Procurement Equalizing Trade Practices Law. The court decision makes it unlawful for public agencies and state contractors to purchase or use steel conduit products made in Mexico for public works projects.
“This ruling is a monumental step forward for the American steel industry and for fair trade practices. It underscores the importance of protecting domestic manufacturers and ensuring that public works projects support local jobs and businesses,” Barry Zekelman, executive chairman and CEO of Zekelman Industries, said in a statement. “We are grateful for the court’s thoughtful consideration of this case and for standing up against unfair trade practices that harm Pennsylvania’s economy.”
Wheatland Tube filed the petition in 2024, claiming Mexico breached trade agreements by dumping steel products into the U.S. market at unfairly low prices.
The ruling followed a Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court hearing in December 2024 on the petition. The court order includes adding Mexico to the Foreign Registry Docket for discriminatory trade practices.
Zekelman Industries operates 19 manufacturing locations across North America, including Wheatland Tube and Sharon Tube.