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Steel makers take offensive
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February 12, 1999: 11:16 a.m. ET
U.S. steel firms to file second unfair trade complaint to stop 'dumping'
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - American steel companies are preparing to launch their second attack against low-priced steel imports, part of the industry's stated mission to stop the dumping of steel into the U.S. market.
The Wall Street Journal reports Friday that steel makers could file their second round of unfair trade complaints with the U.S. International Trade Commission as early as next week.
The complaints are expected to target steel plate, an industrial product used in building ships and bridges, the report said.
Major steel makers already have lodged complaints of unfair trading practices against Japan, Russia, and Brazil on hot-rolled steel, the industry's basic commodity product.
The steel industry argues those countries are attempting to "export their way out of recession" by dumping steel and other products into the U.S at below market prices, upsetting the delicate balance of supply and demand and rendering them unable to compete.
Many steel makers have been forced to shut down plants temporarily and at least one, Acme Metal, blamed the glut of low-priced steel in the U.S. for forcing it into bankruptcy.
The industry has been calling on Capitol Hill for regulatory relief from what they call "illegal and predatory trade" practices since last fall.
If Washington agrees with the unfair trade complaints, it will place import duties on overseas steel.
The Commerce Department is expected to announce preliminary antidumping duties on steel from those countries Friday.
But the steel industry isn't stopping there. It also is drawing up cases against cold-rolled and hot-rolled steel that could be filed in the next few months, the report said. 
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