President Barack Obama’s administration announced Thursday a series of executive actions aimed at protecting the US steel industry from import dumping, including increased inspections at US ports and increased Customs personnel to help enforce tariffs already in place.
The president also signed legislation Wednesday, HR 644, which will empower US Customs and Border Protection to initiate steel dumping investigations when foreign steelmakers are suspected, but not yet proven, of evading anti-dumping and countervailing tariffs. It will also speed up the investigation process.
“I thank the President for signing this important legislation and for his additional initiatives to stop the dumping of foreign steel on US markets,” said Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton in a statement released Thursday. “These steps are urgently needed to prevent further damage to the lives and livelihoods of the great people on the Iron Range.”