Washington — Senator Evan Bayh commended the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) for its decision today affirming that the American steel industry and workers have been hurt by unfairly subsidized imports of circular welded steel pipe from China.

On May 13, Bayh testified before the ITC urging its members to take action to protect U.S. steel producers and workers. During that testimony, he pointed out that the American steel industry, including hot-rolled steel and pipe and tube manufacturers in Indiana, is being undercut by circular welded steel pipe from China sold in the United States at as much as 85 percent below fair market value.

Bayh, a longtime critic of Chinese subsidies and chief sponsor of the Stopping Overseas Subsidies Act, noted that today’s decision is the first time that a countervailing duty order has been applied to a steel import from China.

“We believe in competition. Our workers can compete and succeed against anyone and everyone in making the best quality products in the world,” Bayh said. “But, these illegal government subsidies give Chinese producers an unfair advantage in the world market and undercut the hardworking Americans employed by our steel industry, including thousands in Indiana.

“I commend the ITC for its decision today, the first time a duty order has been placed against Chinese steel imports to combat these illegal subsidies, and for putting our steel workers and producers back on a level playing field.”

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