Business
Pipe execs, officials plead for relief from imports
American pipe executives and elected officials lined up to testify Tuesday in Washington, D.C., before the U.S. International Trade Commission on Chinese pipe imports.
The final public hearing before the six-member commission was billed as the largest U.S. trade case against Chinese imports valued at $2.6 billion.
American producers and the United Steelworkers are seeking tariffs and anti-dumping duties on China pipe known as oil country tubular goods. Such welded seamless pipes are used to extract oil or gas from drilled wells.
Nine members of Congress, three U.S. Senators and two governors joined USW President Leo Gerard and company executives who called for enforcement of current trade laws against the imported Chinese pipes.
Wheatland Tube Co. was among the seven pipe producers and the United Steelworkers that pleaded their case.
“Between the end of 2008 and September 2009, this industry lost 2,421 workers,” Gerard testified. “We come before you today seeking much-needed trade relief to permit the massive inventories of unfairly traded imports from China to be worked off so our workers can go back to work and regain their livelihoods and dignity.”
Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell added that with more than 2,000 American workers who make oil country pipe, also known as OCTG, were laid off this past year.
“Pennsylvania is home to US Steel, Wheatland Tube, and TMK IPSCO. All of these firms produce OCTG,” Rendell said. “These firms have been severely impacted by unfairly traded Chinese OCTG which in the first three-quarters of 2009 accounted for approximately 37 percent of the US Market.’’
“American workers and producers need and deserve a fair chance to compete in their own market,” Sutton said. “Now more than ever, it is crucial that this Commission fully and effectively enforce our fair trade laws, and ensure that foreign producers refusing to follow global trading rules are not permitted to further injure American workers, companies and communities.”
“Compounding the problem is the fact that China stands to increase production of OCTG,’’ testified U.S. Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper, D-3rd District, Erie. “It currently has large amounts of unused capacity and continues to develop significant additional capacity. This enormous untapped capacity, together with China’s reliance on the U.S. market, creates a dangerous situation for domestic producers and the thousands of workers they employ.’’
U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire, D-4th District, McCandless, also testified.
“Chinese manufacturers have undermined America’s steel industry by flooding our markets with heavily subsidized imports,” Altmire said. “China has the capacity to produce more oil country tubular goods that it can consume or export at fair prices, and dumps underpriced goods in American markets. Therefore, it is critically important that the ITC impose duties on these products to provide American workers with the level playing field they deserve.”
The first ITC injury determination will be made in early January, while the dumping portion of the trade case will be finalized in Spring 2010.
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Under new management — Ill. company takes over SV mall
The Shenango Valley Mall in Hermitage is under new management.
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FNB Corp. had a “solid” second quarter, the Hermitage-based financial company’s president and chief executive officer said Monday.
“I’ve very pleased with the quarter. We made 16 cents (per share),” Stephen J. Gurgovits said. “It just turned out to be a very good quarter.”
Loans and deposits are up and expenses are stable, he said.
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A study will be performed to determine the site’s best use, the possible positioning of buildings, what kinds of buildings would be appropriate and how utilities can be extended onto the site, Thomas said Wednesday.
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Bad Ass Parts of Louisville, Ky., ripped off the design and has been selling its own version, according to the lawsuit filed last month in U.S. District Court, Pittsburgh. -
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Historically, American manufacturers have paved the way in technological and scientific advances.
But over the years foreign producers have eaten away at what used to be a distinct American advantage. U.S. Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper said she wants the government to bankroll scientific advances to help American producers get back on track.
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Aqua plan helps some pay their water bill
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The Helping Hand program offers customers a payment plan to pay down arrears and ensure their water isn’t turned off; an opportunity for customers who make payments on time to earn a monthly credit toward their arrears; and a conservation kit to help customers curb usage and therefore, reduce their bills.
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Local bankers getting steady refinancing business
Local bankers say more people want to refinance their mortgages to save money.
With interest rates hovering in the 4.5 percent range for a 30-year loan, it’s a deal too good to pass up, bankers said.
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The noise is drowned out during the din of the day, but late at night the sound of the Owens-Illinois glass plant reverberates through this town of 6,000 people.
Mayor Andrea Estadt calls it the “heartbeat of Clarion,” an enunciation from a plant that has been a centerpiece of community employment and pride for 105 years.
But when the glass plant closes July 1, Estadt said, it’ll be silent here.
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Flynn’s moving Sharon tire store to Hermitage
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L&M Tire on East State Street is being remodeled and transformed into a Flynn’s Tire. - More Business Headlines
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Under new management — Ill. company takes over SV mall
