6 Countries Said to Have Dumped Steel in U.S.

Steel producers in six countries have illegally dumped stainless steel in the United States at prices below production costs or home-market prices, the Commerce Department concluded. The department found that three of the countries--Belgium, Italy and South Africa--also gave producers unfair subsidies that effectively lowered prices. Canada, South Korea and Taiwan were guilty only of dumping, the department said. Those countries face tariffs of up to 60% on that product if the independent U.S. International Trade Commission determines the practice has injured or threatens to hurt U.S. steelmakers. The commission is to rule by May. The Commerce Department finding applies only to a specialized steel product known as stainless-steel plate in coils, which is used in specialized tasks such as chemical processing, pollution control and petroleum refining. A much larger case involving hot-rolled carbon steel is pending before the department, with a final ruling due next month.