Steel pipe and tube producers push Trump to restrict imports

CHICAGO (August 30, 2017) — Zekelman Industries announced today that Executive Chairman and CEO Barry Zekelman, as a member of the Committee on Pipe & Tube Imports (CPTI), has urged President Donald Trump to move forward with restrictions on imported steel pipe and tube. Zekelman was one of 24 steel pipe and tube manufacturing executives to sign the letter they sent Trump on Tuesday, which outlines the committee’s concerns:

• Imports have soared since April, when Trump initiated the Steel Section 232 investigation regarding the impact of steel imports on U.S. security.
• Foreign producers now supply more than 60% of the U.S. market demand for steel pipe and tube.
• Steel pipe and tube imports totaled more than 800,000 tons in July — an all-time high.
• The increase in imports impacts nearly 40,000 Americans who work in the steel pipe and tube industry.

As the letter explains to Trump, “Foreign producers are taking advantage of us … we urge you to act swiftly and decisively to support American steel.”

View chart showing imports of steel pipe and tube from July 2016 through July 2017.

Jelani Rucker
312.275.1626
jelani.rucker@zekelman.com

About Zekelman Industries

Zekelman Industries includes the operating divisions of Atlas Tube, Picoma, Sharon Tube, Wheatland Tube, Z Modular and Western Tube & Conduit Corporation. It is the largest independent manufacturer of hollow structural sections (HSS) and steel pipe, and the top producer of electrical conduit and elbows, couplings and nipples in North America. Zekelman Industries delivers a broad range of pipe and tube solutions that build its customers’ success. For more information, contact Zekelman Industries at 312.275.1600 or info@zekelman.com. Or, visit zekelman.com