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H e a d l i n
e s . . .
February 9, 2002 |
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GLYPTIS HOPEFUL OF TARIFFS HIGHER THAN 20 PERCENT
Weirton, W.Va. -- Despite widespread reports to
the contrary, Independent Steelworkers Union President Mark Glyptis
believes President Bush will impose tariffs that exceed 20
percent.
Reports began to circulate last month that Bush plans to
impose tariffs on steel products at 20 percent, far below the 50 percent
which had been requested by most of the steel supporters who testified
before the International Trade Commission. The ITC ruled in October that
imported steel has harmed domestic producers like Weirton Steel Corp. and
Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corp.
The ITC was responsible for giving the
president a recommendation about how to solve the import crisis. The
maximum remedy allowed under Section 201 of the 1974 Fair Trade Act is 50
percent for a four-year period. The commissioners sent a shockwave of
disappointment through the industry in early December when they unveiled a
disjointed recommendation, calling for tariffs that range from 8 percent
to 40 percent.
``President Bush has a lot of complexities to consider
when making a decision about the best remedy to help the American steel
industry,'' said Glyptis. ``Based on my discussions with members of the
Bush administration, I believe the president will decide to impose tariffs
that will be higher than 20 percent. I think the tariffs will be at least
30 or 35 percent for a three or four-year period.''
Glyptis will return
to Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Feb. 13, to continue his lobbying
efforts with key legislative officials. He stressed the importance of
continuing to apply pressure on the Bush administration in the final weeks
before the president informs the industry about his remedy.
The
president is expected to render his decision by March 4 and Glyptis is
optimistic that the announcement will be made by that date. There has been
talk on Capitol Hill about Bush delaying his decision, but Glyptis is
holding out hope the remedy will be announced within the next few
weeks.
``The future of the domestic steel industry hinges upon the
president's decision, so this is a very tense time for the entire Ohio
Valley,'' said Glyptis. ``The officials on Capitol Hill know how much
spirit the people in the Ohio Valley have and I'm extremely proud of the
work that's being done to convince President Bush to impose high
tariffs.''
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