AK Steel Applauds WTO Decision That Chinese Duties Were Unjustified

AK Steel

today applauded the decision of a dispute settlement panel at the World Trade Organization in Geneva that China had no legal basis to impose antidumping and countervailing duties on imports of grain oriented electrical steel from the United States beginning in December 2009. "The WTO has correctly decided that China's Ministry of Commerce had no justification to impose duties on AK Steel products. China's case was contrary to the WTO rules from the beginning and should never have been pursued," said James L. Wainscott, Chairman, President, and CEO of AK Steel. Mr. Wainscott added, "AK Steel is very grateful to United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk and his staff for working tirelessly on this case to defend the rights of U.S. manufacturers." In December 2009, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) imposed duties on imported electrical steel products. AK Steel is one of the largest and most technologically-advanced global producers of grain-oriented electrical steels, which are helping to meet the world's growing demand for efficient electricity generation, transmission and distribution. The tariffs total approximately 19.5% against AK Steel. The United States requested consultations with the Government of China in September 2010, beginning the WTO dispute settlement process. China may appeal the panel's decision to the WTO Appellate Body. In such event, the tariffs will remain in effect during the pendency of the appeal.