Portman Welcomes Commerce Dept. Preliminary Trade Enforcement Ruling Protecting USW & Ohio Paper Workers

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) welcomed the preliminary ruling from the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) protecting United Steelworkers. Today's DOC preliminary ruling covers dumping duty determinations on uncoated paper imports from five countries including China, Brazil and Indonesia. This case affects workers at Ohio paper mills such as Glatfelter in Chillicothe, Domtar in Washington Court House, and Mohawk Fine Papers in Hamilton

"American uncoated paper workers are in dire need of relief from these unfairly subsidized and undersold imports that hurt Ohio jobs," Portman stated. "I'm pleased with today's ruling and will continue my push to ensure that Ohio manufacturers and workers are able to compete on a level playing field."

Today's ruling is the second important victory in the case. In June, Portman welcomed a DOC preliminary ruling on unfairly subsidized imports from China and Indonesia. These rulings follow a letter written by Portman and U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) who expressed strong support of the ITC's preliminary phase investigations that found evidence that the imports in question are dumped at significant margins and that imports from China and other countries benefit from a wide array of government subsidies. That letter follows up on efforts last year to help other Ohio paper workers facing threats.

Earlier this year, Portman and Brown announced that their bipartisan Leveling the Playing Field Act was signed into law. This bill will give U.S. companies and workers -- like the paper industry -- new tools to fight against unfair trade practices.

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