Local tube producers win a round against Chinese imports

Wheatland Tube, Sharon Tube and other pipe producers scored a victory in their battle to place tariffs on Chinese imports.

The U.S. Department of Commerce issued a preliminary ruling Tuesday that would place tariffs of 17 percent on shipments from most Chinese producers.

A final ruling on the case won’t come until spring, but this step was hailed by those who make standard pipe, which is used in plumbing, sprinkler systems and fences.

“This important decision sends a strong message to China and other countries that government subsidies to pipe and tube producers will not be tolerated by the U.S. government,” said Armand Lauzon, chief executive of John Maneely Co., which owns Wheatland Tube and Sharon Tube.

For more on this story, see Wednesday’s Vindicator or www.vindy.com.