WARREN At rally, Steelworkers, Ryan seek continuation of tariffs

The congressman said he's seen the effects of illegal foreign-steel dumping.
WARREN -- U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan and local Steelworkers from WCI Steel were to hold a rally today urging President Bush to maintain a policy imposing tariffs on foreign steel.
Bush wants to eliminate the programs that were designed to help the troubled steel industry. The rally was to be held at Enzo's Restaurant on Elm Road Northeast in Warren.
Ryan, of Niles, D-17th, testified in July before the International Trade Commission urging them to continue the steel tariffs, imposed in 2001, for a full three years. The World Trade Organization ruled in July that the tariffs were illegal because the United States didn't show the harmful effects of illegally dumped steel.
"The congressman and the local Steelworkers are urging the president to continue the tariffs," said Patrick Lowry, Ryan's spokesman.
In his July testimony, Ryan said he has witnessed the devastating effects of illegal foreign steel dumping. He specifically mentioned WCI, saying the company wasn't able to withstand the financial impact of foreign steel and has been suffering financial losses since 2001.
Some foreign steel is sold at a price below production costs, forcing domestic producers to lower their prices to compete and causing financial hardship. The goal is to drive domestic steelmakers out of business so foreign steelmakers can control the market. Selling an imported product at below production cost -- known as "dumping" -- is a violation of the Tariff Act of 1930, which governs most of this country's trade.