Media releases
Friday 23 August 2002 / MVT101/2002
Steel Exports Get Another Exclusion from US Tariffs
Another Australian steel product has been added to the list of exclusions
from the United States Section 201 Safeguard Measures on imports of
certain steel products, Trade Minister Mark Vaile said today.
Mr Vaile said he had been advised that the US Government had overnight
granted exclusion to OneSteel's galvanised cold formed steel angles
and flats.
"To date the US administration has granted eight of our nine requests
for exclusion from US tariffs," Mr Vaile said.
"The overnight announcement adds to the list of Australian exclusions
already secured for hot rolled coil, galvanized cold rolled steel
channels, welded pipe/tube, and hydraulic hose couplings.
"The exclusion listing means these products, representing more than
85 per cent of Australian steel exports by volume, will not attract
US import tariffs ranging from 13 per cent - 30 per cent.
"Australian steel producers can confidently maintain their traditional
customer bases in the US, and pursue further opportunities in promising
niche markets."
Mr Vaile said earlier in the process Australia was allocated a share
- consistent with recent export levels - of the tariff rate quota
for slab steel under the safeguard action.
"The US Administration has responded positively to Australian Government
requests for removal of steel import restraints."
The US Administration winds up its steel exclusion process on 31
August.
In November, the US will commence the next exclusion process, which
will consider exemptions from the tariff rates applied in the second
year of the safeguard action.
"Some companies have made a commercial decision not to seek exclusions
for their products at this time. The Government remains ready to
assist Australian steel exporters if they wished to participate in
this next US exclusions process."
Mr Vaile said Australia will continue to monitor other countries'
actions in response to the US safeguard action.
"We will remain an active participant in the OECD-hosted international
forum on steel which aims to reduce uneconomic global steel production
capacity and we will work closely with likeminded countries to secure
our commercial interests."
Media Contact: Mark Croxford +61 02 6277 7420
Local Date:
Friday, 21-Nov-2008 16:34:46 EST
