Iscor hits back at US import levies

ISCOR HAS never caused injury to the US or Canadian steel markets as a result of
its exports to those countries, and any attempt to impose levies against the
South African steel producer is accepted with distaste, says Iscor spokesman Phaldie Kalam.
He was reacting to a news report that the US International Trade Commission (ITC) had slapped an anti-dumping duty of 9,28% on SA exports of cold-rolled steel. This was accompanied by claims that cheap steel had been dumped on the US market by several countries including South Africa and Argentina.
The Canadian Import Tariffs Board has also reportedly decided to impose anti-dumping duties against South African steel, although the exact scale of this has not been disclosed.
"Iscor and the SA steel industry has been particularly disciplined in exporting to North America," said Kalam. "Notwithstanding our distaste for these protectionist measures, they will only have a negligible effect as our exports to these markets are minimal.
"However as soon as either of these countries make available their reasons for the duties, Iscor will decide whether or not to appeal against the ruling."
Further duties are expected to be levied next month by the US on exports by Saldanha Steel because the US steel industry has apparently complained that Saldanha has benefited from government aid in South Africa.
Many US steel companies are known to be in financial trouble and are seeking protection through anti-dumping duties.