John Wolz

The American Wire Producers Association registered objections to a recent federal government report because it focused on flat-rolled products and presented an unbalanced and incomplete view of the role that international trade plays in the U.S. steel market.
Wire and wire product imports have increased 50% since 1994, according to the AWPA.
The report to the president, Global Steel Trade: Structural Problems and Future Solutions,was prepared by the Department of Commerce.
An association statement said the report overlooks the fact that domestic rod mills do not have the capacity to meet U.S. demand. Imports of wire rod are essential to the American wire industry and its customers. Any governmental policy or action that impedes wire companies ability to source globally will adversely affect their competitive position domestically.
The U.S. wire industry also faces intense import competition for value-added wire and wire products, the association noted.
U.S. wire manufacturers represent an important segment of the domestic steel industry, but only twice in the entire report are the interests of steel consuming industries mentioned, the association pointed out. The U.S. rod industry also was barely mentioned.
AWPA’s government affairs group is meeting with members of Congress to support interests of consumers using imported materials in U.S. trade laws and ask their congressional representatives to help ensure that the U.S. wire industry has a seat at the table in any future discussions of U.S. steel trade policy.
The association represents U.S. companies that purchase steel wire rod and produce wire and wire rod products, including fencing, reinforcing wire and mesh, spring wire, nails, garment hangers and wire stand. Members operate more than 145 plants in 34 states and employ more than 20,000 in the U.S.
The Tariff Rate Quota program currently restricts imports of wire rod after a presidential decision earlier this year.