Steel fighting for tougher trade laws

Jan 24, 2013 | 01:38 PM | Samuel Frizell

Tags  American Iron and Steel Institute, Steel Manufacturers Association, Nucor, U.S. Steel, trade laws, debt ceiling, Thomas Gibson, Thomas Danjczek Samuel Frizell

NEW YORK — U.S. steel interests are angling for stiffer trade regulations in 2013 in the face of possible financial crises, hoping that tougher enforcement will stimulate the industry as battles over fiscal policies continue in Washington.

"We’re still emerging from the great recession," one steel industry source said. "The industry’s only operating at 70 percent (of capacity). There’s a major concern of how our leaders resolve (fiscal issues)."

Industry leaders said companies are eager to see crackdowns on countries that trade unfairly. U.S. Steel Corp., Pittsburgh, and Nucor Corp., Charlotte, N.C., spent much of their 2012 lobbying budgets—$1.23 million and $1.18 million, respectively—on trade issues, according to congressional lobbying reports.....