Fed: Steelmakers hold talks with govt over dumping
By Sandra O'Malley
CANBERRA, April 5 AAP - Local steelmakers held talks with the government today abouta program aimed at ensuring steel is not dumped in Australia following the United States'decision to impose tariffs on imports.
BHP Steel president Kirby Adams and Smorgon Steel Group chief executive Ray Horsburghmet Trade Minister Mark Vaile and Customs Minister Chris Ellison to discuss the monitoringprogram, which was flagged last month.
The import monitoring program is aimed at preventing the dumping of excess steel productioninto Australia following the US decision to increase tariffs on its steel imports byup to 30 per cent.
The European Union has already decided to slap tariffs on US steel imports in retaliation.
Australian steel has largely escaped the tariffs, but around 15 per cent of the $450million in steel products shipped to the US will be hit.
However industry heavyweights are concerned about the prospect of other nations offloadingsteel normally destined for the US into Australia.
Steel companies, industry participants, unions and government representatives willform a monitoring committee to be alert to the prospect of dumping.
Mr Horsburgh told AAP the committee would ensure that there was not an abnormal amountof imports coming in from countries hit by the tariffs.
"We need to ensure we won't be played for a sucker," he said.
"The government is determined that won't happen."
If the committee found dumping was occurring, overseas companies could be warned theywere under review.
Mr Horsburgh said there could be retrospective penalties if it was found that steelhad been dumped.
AAP so/da/dl
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KEYWORD: US STEEL AUST
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