WASHINGTON (Nov. 2, 2001)—Tire makers say they´re are relieved that the International Trade Commission didn't include steel tire cord and bead wire in its decision that U.S. steel producers are suffering material injury because of cheap steel imports.
Ann Wilson, vice president of the Rubber Manufacturers Association, praised the ITC decision in a press release. “An adverse ruling could have had serious consequences for the (tire) industry because there are limited domestic sources for steel needed in tire production,” Wilson said. The Bush administration is now expected to slap heavy tariffs on most foreign-made steel, a move which countries such as South Korea, Canada and the European Union are protesting vigorously.