AISI calls on USTR for ‘decisive action’ vs. China trade violations

Sep 22, 2009 | 11:51 AM | Scott Robertson

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), speaking on behalf of its member steel companies, is calling for "decisive action" against China on the part of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

For years, U.S. steelmakers have been decrying the trade abuses they believe have sprung from China, which most believe has repeatedly violated international agreements it made upon acceptance into the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Washington-based AISI this week submitted comments to USTR's Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC) documenting China's non-compliance with the commitments it made upon ascension to the WTO. The steel trade organization said its main concern is that China's non-compliance with its WTO obligations remains a growing problem for American steel producers and other manufacturers.

"In each submission (made to the TPSC from 2004-08), AISI has documented how China has used subsidies and other forms of government support to build an enormous steel industry in violation of market principles and China's WTO commitments," AISI said in its comments.....