Free Trade in Steel Coalition
The Free Trade in Steel Coalition represents over 40 major United States port authorities, port terminal operators, longshore labor unions, and other port and transportation industry organizations that are deeply concerned about possible loss of port and transportation jobs resulting from the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) Section 201 global safeguard investigation.
For the latest information on imported steel, visit:
The American Institute for International Steel
Consuming Industries Trade Action Coalition
U.S. Jobs at Stake
Imported steel products are a major commodity handled by the Ports of New Orleans, Los Angeles/Long Beach, Houston, Philadelphia/Camden/Wilmington, the Great Lakes port region and other ports throughout the U.S.
Studies have shown that more than 38,000 direct, induced and indirect jobs for U.S. residents in 2000 were dependent upon the handling of imported steel products.
$1.7 billion of direct business revenue was provided to the port and inland transportation industry in 2000 for the handling and movement of imported steel products.
Domestic Steel
The Free Trade in Steel Coalition is not opposed to providing assistance to the domestic steel industry; rather, we believe there are methods available to resolve the problems facing the domestic steel industry without adversely affecting the steel trade and related employment throughout the ports of the United States. Remedies could include adjustment assistance, tax benefits, legal facilitation of industry consolidation, or financial support for the burden of industry legacy costs, but not in the imposition of tariff, quota or other import restrictions that would substantially injure and destroy jobs in port, maritime and other industries that are key participants in the American economy.
Support
We continue to enlist the support of the maritime and transportation industry stakeholders as well as key legislators and policy makers. The Free Trade in Steel Coalition strives to preserve and enhance the economic and employment opportunities provided to the nation by the U.S. port, maritime and transportation industries while concurrently resolving the issues facing the domestic steel industry.
