OTR Tyre Duties “Level the Playing Field” – USW

The United Steelworkers has reacted positively to the US Department of Commerce’s preliminary decision to impose antidumping duties on OTR tyre imports from China. In a statement released by the union group, USW International president Leo Gerard said that the “the decision will help level the playing field for US workers by requiring Chinese tyre imports to be priced fairly.”

At present four individual manufacturers have been investigated by US authorities, resulting in the introduction of duties ranging between 11 and 52 per cent. Other companies penalised with individual rates are subject to a margin reflecting the weighted average of individual rates or 25 per cent – whichever is higher. Those companies ineligible for individual rates must pay a duty of 210 per cent.

“This case shows the importance of vigourous enforcement of our trade laws as a first line of defence against unfair trade practices that harm American industries and jobs,” Gerard added.