NATION

NATION

English makes case for domestic pipe producers

WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Phil English, R-3rd, spoke Tuesday to the International Trade Commission about relief for domestic pipe and tube producers from illegally dumped and subsidized Chinese imports.

Six U.S. standard pipe steel producers, including Mercer County’s Wheatland Tube Co., filed a complaint with the Department of Commerce and the ITC last year alleging that Chinese imports of welded standard pipe are being dumped and subsidized.

The ITC is expected to make a determination on the case June 20, English’s office said.

“It is critical for the commission to act today and recognize the adverse impact of China’s reckless dumping on this industry,” English told the ITC. “We must grant them necessary relief so they can have the opportunity to make the investments they need to revive their competitiveness and our local economies.”

REGION

Avalon Holdings posts quarterly loss of $60,000

HOWLAND — Avalon Holdings Corp. posted a first-quarter loss of $60,000, or 2 cents a share, compared with earnings of $352,000, or 9 cents a share, in the same quarter last year.

Net operating revenues last quarter were $10.4 million, compared with $11.3 million in the first quarter of 2007.

Avalon Holdings is the parent company for Avalon Golf and Country Club, which operates three courses, and a waste management company.

From Vindicator staff reports