WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Rob Portman (R-OH) welcomed the announcement from U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman (USTR) that the United States has prevailed in a World Trade Organization (WTO) challenge to China’s compliance actions following WTO findings in 2012, that China’s duties on high-tech steel were inconsistent with WTO rules – duties that contributed to over $250 million in annual export losses for American steel exporters. 

“Strong enforcement of our trade laws lifts up Ohio companies and levels the playing field,” said Brown. “This announcement will help America's steel industry – including AK Steel and its dedicated workforce – compete in our global economy.”

“Manufacturing exports are vital to Ohio workers, and this win will provide a boost to Ohio steel producers like AK Steel,” said Portman. “I will continue to support efforts to ensure that our workers are able to operate on a level playing field around the world.”

Last year, Brown and Portman applauded the decision by the office of the USTR to protect steel producers such as Ohio-based AK Steel, and Allegheny Technologies, which employs 140 workers in Louisville, Ohio from illegal Chinese trade practices. One-hundred fifty workers at AK Steel’s plant in Zanesville are particularly impacted by this case. Specifically, USTR challenged China’s refusal to comply with WTO regulations on grain oriented flat-rolled electrical steel (GOES).  

Brown and Portman’s Leveling the Playing Field Act, which will give U.S. companies – like the steel industry – new tools to fight against unfair trade practices, was recently signed into law.

###