Monroe News: Walberg honored with Congressional Steel Champion award
November 7, 2016
There's always been some import competition for U.S. steel — but what the industry faced in 2014-15 was considered unprecedented.
As Chief Executive Officer for AK Steel Corp. Roger K. Newport explained, suddenly an import ratio that historically hovered just under 20 percent spiked as Chinese steel flooded the market and drew down prices. At its peak in 2015, finished imports took up a record 29 percent of the U.S. steel market.
However, the cost to manufacture steel in the United States did not adjust, and as a result, industry leaders were concerned about the loss in market share and impact on jobs. AK Steel's locations include its operations in Dearborn and a joint venture with JV Spartan Steel Coating LLC in Monroe.
While the import ratio is still higher than normal at about 25 percent, there have been significant steps from Congress to help ease the situation. The matters include foreign trade laws, environmental impact and workplace safety.
"We're open to trade. We just want it to be fair," Mr. Newport said about the steel industry's concerns.
For his work on that effort, U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton was recognized with the 2016 Congressional Steel Champion Award. The honor was presented Wednesday at the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce office by Mr. Newport, accompanied by Brett S. Smith, senior director, government relations, for American Iron and Steel Institute of Washington D.C.
Although other national legislators also have been honored with this special award, Rep. Walberg is believed to be the only one who actually had worked at a steel mill.
"I'll continue working in Congress to combat illegal trade practices, level the playing field and promote American-made steel products," he said.
This article originally appeared in the November 5 edition of the Monroe News.
As Chief Executive Officer for AK Steel Corp. Roger K. Newport explained, suddenly an import ratio that historically hovered just under 20 percent spiked as Chinese steel flooded the market and drew down prices. At its peak in 2015, finished imports took up a record 29 percent of the U.S. steel market.
However, the cost to manufacture steel in the United States did not adjust, and as a result, industry leaders were concerned about the loss in market share and impact on jobs. AK Steel's locations include its operations in Dearborn and a joint venture with JV Spartan Steel Coating LLC in Monroe.
While the import ratio is still higher than normal at about 25 percent, there have been significant steps from Congress to help ease the situation. The matters include foreign trade laws, environmental impact and workplace safety.
"We're open to trade. We just want it to be fair," Mr. Newport said about the steel industry's concerns.
For his work on that effort, U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton was recognized with the 2016 Congressional Steel Champion Award. The honor was presented Wednesday at the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce office by Mr. Newport, accompanied by Brett S. Smith, senior director, government relations, for American Iron and Steel Institute of Washington D.C.
Although other national legislators also have been honored with this special award, Rep. Walberg is believed to be the only one who actually had worked at a steel mill.
"I'll continue working in Congress to combat illegal trade practices, level the playing field and promote American-made steel products," he said.
This article originally appeared in the November 5 edition of the Monroe News.
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