US senators urge full enforcement on steel imports

WASHINGTON - The Associated Press

A worker gestures as he stands on steel bars at a port in Qingdao, Shandong province March 17. REUTERS Photo

A group of U.S. senators is calling on President Barack Obama’s administration to fully enforce trade laws in deciding whether imported steel reinforcing bar from Turkey and Mexico unfairly undercuts U.S. prices.

Thirty-one senators urged the Department of Commerce in a letter to consider the impact of cheaper imports on U.S. steel companies when it issues preliminary rulings this month. Companies in Mexico and Turkey could be subject to duties if found in violation.

The Department of Commerce said on April 9 it takes seriously its obligation to enforce trade laws and will make a final judgment based on the facts in each case.

Steel reinforcing bar is known as rebar. It’s one of the largest-volume steel products produced in the U.S., employing more than 10,000 workers in Ohio and several other states.