Alleged dumping of cheap Chinese steel
July 17th, 2016
MEDIA RELEASE
Embargoed until 5am Monday 18 July
E tū says it supports investigation into alleged dumping of cheap Chinese steel
The union, E t says it supports an investigation into the alleged dumping of cheap, low quality imported Chinese steel in New Zealand.
E tū’s Industry Co-ordinator, Joe Gallagher says New Zealand has no tariffs and that’s allowed a flood of cheap, imported steel into the country, unchecked.
Joe says quality is a big issue with testing revealing problems with certification and below- standard imported steel, including some from China.
“Some of this stuff has turned up in projects like the Huntly bypass and Waterview.”
He says an investigation of the kind sought by Pacific Steel into alleged steel dumping would expose the true cost of steel production and the rigour of import certification regimes.
He says no tariffs means there is no level playing field for local producers and that’s putting jobs and communities at risk.
“There are about 1,000 members of the combined unions at NZ Steel paying $55 million in tax to the government every year; the wider economic benefit is $138 million.”
Joe says New Zealand is the only OECD country without tariffs on steel.
“We care about New Zealand jobs and New Zealand communities”, he says.
“People accuse us of being protectionist, but if that’s protecting New Zealand jobs, then guilty as charged.”
Joe says local steel producers also produce steel with quality guarantees.
ENDS