February 29, 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) today joined House colleagues, including the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, in introducing bipartisan legislation to overturn a court ruling that states that countervailing duties (CVD) could not be placed on goods from non-market economies (NMEs). The ruling prevents the U.S. Commerce Department from applying tariffs to goods from countries, including China, that have been illegally subsidized. Prohibiting the use of these important trade enforcement remedies makes it harder for American manufacturers to compete on a level playing field.

There are currently 24 CVD orders in place against goods from NMEs, including 13 that relate to industries and organizations in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In western Pennsylvania, this bill will protect manufacturers of circular welded carbon-quality steel pipe, circular welded carbon-quality steel line pipe, oil country tubular goods, seamless carbon and alloy steel standard, line, and pressure pipe, and magnesia carbon bricks.

"Our ability to impose countervailing duties is critical to protecting American companies which have been victimized by unfair trade practices frequently used by our foreign competitors," Congressman Altmire said. "Without this legislation, western Pennsylvania companies will be negatively impacted by the court's decision. I encourage the House leadership to bring this bill to the floor immediately to address the concerns of thousands of hardworking Pennsylvanians."

In February, Congressman Altmire joined a number of his colleagues on a letter to the House leadership emphasizing the urgent need for Congressional action to address this issue. A copy of the letter is available by clicking here.

The Senate companion to this bill is expected to be introduced today. A factsheet on the House bill introduced today is available by clicking here.