Ryan Testifies on Impact of Steel Dumping

WASHINGTON, Ohio – U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan testified Tuesday on behalf of protecting the U.S. steel industry from unfair trade practices. He pledged he would continue “to fight to unstack the deck and give our workers an equal playing field.”

Ryan, D-13 Ohio, testified at the International Trade Commission before officials from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of International Trade and Investment, U.S. Treasury, U.S. Department of State, and the Office of Trade, Customs and Border Patrol.

Ryan also will speak Thursday before the Congressional Steel Caucus’ annual State of Steel hearing.

“The global oversupply of steel and illegal dumping by countries like China have had a devastating effect on the steel industry here in Ohio, and in towns like ours across the country,” he said. “Unfortunately we have seen first-hand the massive negative impact caused when plants are closed and friends and family lose their source of income – and it has a rippling effect that touches every part of the community.”

Among the steel pipe and tube companies in Ohio’s 13th District affected by these practices are JMC Energex (Cambridge, Niles, Warren), TMK IPSCO (Brookfield), Vallourec USA (Youngstown) and Bull Moose Tube (Masury).

In written testimony Ryan submitted March 29 for yesterday’s hearing, he said excess global steel capacity and unfair trade practices “have a tremendous effect” on the workforce in Ohio and his district in particular, where more than 50% of manufacturing jobs are affected by the global steel supply issue.

“Our nation’s steel workers are facing an unprecedented threat, one that could jeopardize our steel industry, manufacturing base and communities across America,” he warned.

Ohio’s economy has surged in recent years partially because of new investments by the steel industry, but companies have seen setbacks because of “the ongoing flood of imports” and steel oversupply, he continued.

“If we continue to allow foreign countries to create an unfair playing field, the economy of my state that has become one of the top steel-making states in recent years will be threatened,” he said. “Unfair trade practices and steel oversupply can potentially put over 300,000 Ohioan manufacturing workers out of jobs. “

Further, since each manufacturing job impacts at least four other jobs, the total number of workers affected by the unfair practices would be staggering, he added. “The same trend could also affect other industrial states in our union, thus causing a chain reaction across the country,” he said.

Pictured: U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan (right) testifies at the International Trade Commission.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.