Kelly introduces Strengthening Trade Enforcement and Evasion Limitations Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On Thursday, Dec. 4, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Chris Deluzio (D-PA) introduced the STEEL Act, Strengthening Trade Enforcement and Evasion Limitations Act, legislation that will enhance trade enforcement legislation and prevent dumping, an unfair trade practice by foreign nations that sell subsidized goods in the United States and devalue the prices of American steel and other domestic products.

"For years, foreign steel producers have undercut American steel and tube producers by exporting their product at prices below the cost of production. These harmful -- and even illegal -- trade practices have hurt Pennsylvania steel producers, leading to job losses in communities across Pennsylvania and the United States," said Rep. Kelly. "The Strengthening Trade Enforcement and Evasion Limitations (STEEL) Act puts American companies first, and it fully rejects the idea that foreign companies can participate in the U.S. market against U.S. companies without playing by the same rules."

"Western Pennsylvanians know how decades of wimpy trade law enforcement have hurt American workers and industry," said Congressman Deluzio. "We've got to make a change, and that means stopping trade cheats from ripping us off. I'm glad to work with Congressman Mike Kelly on this bill to put some muscle back into our trade enforcement laws and help level the playing field for American jobs and industries."

Read the full bill text here.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

"For too long, bad actors have sought to evade U.S. trade laws through fraud, transshipment and other schemes. These actions have hurt American businesses and workers, including in the American steel industry. By allowing Customs and Border Protection to initiate investigations on its own initiative when it finds evidence of evasion of antidumping or countervailing duty orders, this bill will give CBP an additional tool to crack down on these illegal schemes," said Kevin Dempsey, President and CEO, American Iron and Steel Institute. "AISI commends Representatives Mike Kelly and Chris Deluzio for their leadership in introducing this important legislation. AISI urges Congress to pass this and other trade enforcement legislation to ensure strict and vigorous enforcement of U.S. trade laws and to hold trade cheaters accountable."

"Steel pipe and tube producers across the country have long borne the brunt of unfairly traded imports that erode market share and put U.S. manufacturers and workers at risk. The Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA) has been an essential tool for the Committee on Pipe and Tube Imports (CPTI) and its member companies in stopping bad actors from evading antidumping and countervailing duties intended to counter unfair trade practices. Unfortunately, gaps in the current statute have still allowed some importers to exploit loopholes and avoid lawfully imposed duties," said RogerB. Schagrin, Executive Director and General Counsel of the Committee on Pipe and Tube Imports (CPTI). "CPTI commends Representatives Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) and Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) for their leadership in the introduction of this legislation to strengthen the Enforce and Protect Act. By enabling U.S. Customs and Border Protection to proactively investigate duty evasion and by curbing frivolous appeals, this legislation will strengthen enforcement and deliver meaningful relief to American manufacturers and workers across the country who rely on fair and effective trade laws. We look forward to working with Representatives Kelly and Deluzio to support this critical legislation and the jobs it protects."

"Thanks to the Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA), the OCTG Manufacturers Association (USOMA) has seen more than $400 million in unpaid antidumping and countervailing duties assessed -more than any other industry-through this vital enforcement tool," said Guillermo Moreno, President of Tenaris US and Chairman of USOMA. "Still, more must be done to stop bad actors from evading duly imposed AD/CVD orders. Our members applaud the leadership of Representatives Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) and Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) for introducing legislation that will strengthen CBP's ability to pursue duty evaders and curb frivolous litigation that wastes government and industry resources. We look forward to working with congressional leaders to enact these critical reforms and ensure that American manufacturers are fully protected from loopholes and delay tactics."