Klobuchar has worked for years to combat illicit trading practices by South Korean companies that dump steel into the U.S. market; When the case was brought before the International Trade Commission, Klobuchar testified in support of the domestic industry and to push for stronger action to combat steel dumping


WASHINGTON, DC –U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today released the following statement after the U.S. Commerce Department announced that it has increased anti-dumping duties on drilling pipes from South Korea. Klobuchar has long been a leader in calling for the U.S. to take action to combat illegal steel dumping. Klobuchar has testified in front of the International Trade Commission to push for stronger action to curb steel dumping.

“Workers in northern Minnesota have experienced the harmful effects of steel dumping on our domestic industry firsthand. They deserve a level playing field to compete on and the protections they need to be able to support their families,” Klobuchar said. “I have testified before the International Trade Commission to urge the implementation of penalties against foreign subsidized steel being dumped on our shores. These new anti-dumping duties  are welcome news for our workers but we cannot rest until every miner is back on the job.”

Klobuchar has been a leader in efforts to fight foreign steel dumping and provide support for U.S. steelworkers and miners affected by layoffs. In 2014, Klobuchar spoke at the U.S. International Trade Commission’s (ITC) hearing on dumping by Korea and several other countries. The ITC later voted to approve antidumping duties against Korea. Also in 2014, Klobuchar and a bipartisan group of senators sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker urging the Commerce Department to investigate information submitted by the Korean supplier’s costs of production, profits, and pipe valuation and to take action against any unfair dumping practices. She also sent a letter to the Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Stefan Selig expressing concern about possible illicit trading practices by South Korean companies that enable them to dump steel on the U.S. market.

Last week, Klobuchar led a group of steel state senators in urging President Trump to address Chinese steel dumping and overcapacity during his recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Last month, Klobuchar introduced legislation to ensure laid-off workers affected by steel dumping receive the support they deserve. The Workforce Training Enhancement Act would allow the DOL to reimburse states that chose to provide TAA benefits to workers while their petition is pending to receive benefits. Klobuchar has also introduced legislation to crack down on illegal steel dumping by strengthening trade enforcement. Following consistent pressure from her last year, USITC voted to impose penalties on Mexican, Turkish, and Korean companies dumping steel in the U.S. Klobuchar also sent a letter to successfully urge the U.S. Department of Labor to expedite approval of TAA petitions submitted by workers from the affected mining operations.

In February 2016, after efforts from Klobuchar, the previous Administration announced new actions to combat steel dumping. The actions included new Customs and Border Patrol personnel to enforce our trade laws, stepped up inspections of steel imports at our ports of entry, and increased personnel at the Commerce Department to help ensure tariffs are enforced against those who dump steel in the U.S. Former President Obama also signed legislation that provides additional tools to more aggressively enforce anti-dumping provisions under existing federal law.

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