Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) recently participated in a U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) hearing on tin mill products, emphasizing the importance of Cleveland-Cliffs' operations in Weirton, West Virginia, and the need for relief from unfair international trade practices. The case, which involves countervailing duties on imports of tin mill products from China and antidumping duties on imports from multiple countries, is critical for the Weirton community and its workers.

During the hearing, Senator Capito expressed her full support for Cleveland-Cliffs and the United Steelworkers in their petition for relief from dumped and subsidized imports. She highlighted the significance of the Weirton plant to the economy of the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia, stating, "For over a century, steelmaking has been integral to the economy of the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia."

Senator Capito also stressed the importance of American-made steel for national security and the United States' leadership in clean steel production. She pointed out that American tin mill steel production has suffered due to unfair trade practices, jeopardizing the future of the Weirton plant and the long history of steel production in the region.

The senator highlighted the impact of unfair trade on the Weirton community, stating, "If we lose that product, we lose the whole facility, and the long and proud history of steel production at Weirton will come to an end." She emphasized the devastating consequences for the region and the families of steelworkers who depend on the plant for their livelihoods.

Senator Capito also discussed the decline of the U.S. tin mill market and the need to maintain a stable and reliable domestic source of high-quality tin mill products. She emphasized the importance of a healthy tin mill industry for food security, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the importance of strong domestic supply chains.

In her closing remarks, Senator Capito urged the Commission to carefully examine the details provided by the petitioners and take action to address the unfair trade practices that have undermined the U.S. tin mill market. She emphasized the need to enforce U.S. trade laws to protect American workers and businesses.

The hearing was an opportunity for Senator Capito to advocate for Cleveland-Cliffs and the Weirton community, highlighting the importance of tin mill steel production and the need for relief from unfair international trade practices. The senator's remarks demonstrated her commitment to supporting American workers and ensuring a strong domestic steel industry.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-advocates-for-cleveland-cliffs-tin-mill-steel-production-during-hearing