Text 1938, 72 rader
Skriven 2005-12-30 23:33:12 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0512301) for Fri, 2005 Dec 30
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Memorandum for the Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Labor and United
States Trade Representative
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 30, 2005

Memorandum for the Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Labor and United
States Trade Representative
Presidential Determination
No. 2006-7



SUBJECT: Presidential Determination on Imports of Circular Welded Non-Alloy
Steel Pipe from the People's Republic of China

Pursuant to section 421 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C.
2451), I have determined the action I will take with respect to the
affirmative determination of the United States International Trade
Commission (USITC) regarding imports of circular welded non-alloy steel
pipe (steel pipe) from China (Investigation No. TA-421-6). After
considering all relevant aspects of the investigation, I have determined
that providing import relief for the U.S. steel pipe industry is not in the
national economic interest of the United States. In particular, I find that
the import relief would have an adverse impact on the United States economy
clearly greater than the benefits of such action.

The facts of this case indicate that any import relief, including either of
the USITC's proposed remedies, is likely to be ineffective because of the
extent to which imports from third countries would likely replace curtailed
Chinese imports. A large number of third countries -- the USITC documents
more than 50 of them -- supply the U.S. market with steel pipe. Although
antidumping duties currently apply to imports from eight of those
countries, there are many other countries currently supplying steel pipe to
the U.S. market that could fill the void created by curtailed Chinese
imports. Under these circumstances, import relief would likely not provide
a meaningful benefit to domestic producers.

In addition, imposing import relief would cost U.S. consumers substantially
more than the increased income that could be realized by domestic
producers. According to USITC estimates, the USITC's recommended quota
remedy would generate costs for U.S. consumers five times greater than the
additional income that could be realized by domestic producers. Under the
USITC's recommended tariff rate quota remedy, the costs would be four times
greater than the income generated by domestic producers.

While the particular circumstances of this case make clear that the U.S.
national economic interest would not be served by the imposition of import
relief under section 421, I remain fully committed to exercising the
important authority granted to me under section 421 when the circumstances
of a particular case warrant it.

I hereby direct the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Labor to
expedite consideration of any Trade Adjustment Assistance applications
received from domestic producers or their workers, consistent with their
statutory mandates.

The United States Trade Representative is authorized and directed to
publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

GEORGE W. BUSH

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