Illegal steel tariffs could steal our jobs

Illegal US tariffs on $70 million dollars worth of New Zealand steel exports threaten jobs in New Zealand says Matt Robson, Progressive Deputy Leader.

"Now that the World Trade Organisation has finally confirmed that emergency tariffs on steel imports to the United States of America are illegal they must ensure that they are eliminated.

"New Zealand's $70 million dollar steel export industry, is a big employer in New Zealand. Fair trade rules must be applied to ensure New Zealand steel jobs are not threatened by such illegal acts.

"Steel companies have warned that such tariffs could lead to steel dumping as exporters that cannot sell to the US try to sell to other countries. Pacific Steel recently requested an investigation into dumping of Malaysian and Thai steel on the New Zealand market. If this is related then a domino effect needs to be avoided.

"The Progressives support fair trade rules. This is the best way New Zealand can protect our export industries and their employees. Jobs and economic development will be the winners with fair trade world wide," said Matt Robson MP.

Steel industries here employed 3160 people in 2000. (Most recent figures available from Statistics NZ).

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