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Dear Prospective STF Member,
In March of 2002, after intense lobbying by the domestic steel
industry, President Bush imposed Safeguard Tariffs on imported steel
of up to 30 percent. Realizing that these import restrictions would
result in higher prices, shortages and other disruptions in the
market, steel-consuming manufacturers quickly mobilized to seek
removal of the tariffs at the earliest possible time. The Consuming
Industries Trade Action Coalition (CITAC) Steel Task Force was formed
in July of 2002, and the STF was credited as a key player in convincing
the Administration to terminate the tariffs in December 2003, 18
months ahead of schedule.
Unfortunately, much damage had already been done. Interruptions
in steel imports, coupled with a weaker dollar and subsequent increased
demand for steel around the world, have resulted in even higher
U. S. prices, shortages and allocations, and increasing quality
problems for steel consumers. In fact, for many kinds of steel,
U. S. prices today are higher than anywhere else in the world.
Steel consumers realized during the tariff battle that they had
been absent from the political process, and that a major effort
was needed to educate policymakers about the negative impacts of
the decision. And they now realize that this effort must continue
if they are to have any hope of avoiding future adverse steel policy
decisions. Steel consumers must have a voice in Washington, where
those decisions are made.
The CITAC Steel Task Force is that voice. The STF was re-established
in May 2004 to provide a means to ensure that the concerns of steel
consumers are known.
We have established the following goals:
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Help ensure that steel consumers have access to a stable,
adequate supply of globally priced raw material;
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Promote a strong and viable domestic steel industry
that is not dependent on government intervention; and
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Oppose undue restrictions on imported steel, particularly
products that are in short supply or are not made in the U.S.
Since May, the STF has been letting policymakers know that steel
consumers’ problems were not solved with the repeal of the
tariffs. Some of those activities have been:
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A Congressional staff briefing on June 18th provided
us with an opportunity to discuss our issues in depth with more
than 20 offices.
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A hearing in the House Small Business Committee on July
14 gave us a form to recommend ways that U. S. trade laws could
be made to work for steel consumers.
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Due to our involvement, a Department of Commerce Study
on the future demand for steel will include steel consumers' views
and concerns, and we will pursue a broader study of the steel
industry and its relationship to the overall economy.
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In addition, we will be supporting STF members in challenging
dumping orders or other actions involving steel that adversely
impact their companies.
These activities take time, and they take money. The founding supporters
of the STF have been generous, but we must increase our financial
resources in order to maintain the continued effort that is needed.
We invite your assistance and participation. Please
consider becoming a member of the CITAC STF. Your contribution will
help sustain the STF, and your participation in the organization
will help ensure our success.
Minimum requested contribution is $5000 per year, but many members
choose to contribute more. Make sure your voice is heard in the
debate on trade policy affecting steel consumers by joining the
CITAC Steel Task Force today.
Please contact
or
if you have any questions or need further
information.
Thank You.
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