Fed: Steelmakers hold talks with govt over dumping

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Fed: Steelmakers hold talks with govt over dumping

By Sandra O'Malley

CANBERRA, April 5 AAP - Steelmakers, unions and the government joined forces todayto investigate ways to protect the local industry from the dumping of cheap steel importsinto Australia.

The Ministerial Task Force on Steel was established last month to help deal with concernsarising from the United States decision to impose tariffs of up to 30 per cent on steelimports.

The European Union has already decided to slap tariffs on US steel imports in retaliation.

BHP Steel president Kirby Adams and Smorgon Steel Group chief executive Ray Horsburghmet Trade Minister Mark Vaile and Customs Minister Chris Ellison today to discuss a monitoringprogram aimed at preventing dumping.

Other members of the task force include the Australian Workers Union (AWU) and theAustralian Industry Group.

Australian steel has largely escaped the tariffs, but about 15 per cent of the $450million in steel products shipped to the US will be hit.

Industry heavyweights are more concerned about the prospect of other nations offloadingsteel normally destined for the US into Australia.

The monitoring committee will comprise the steel companies, the industry group, unionsand government representatives and will accurately monitor the level of steel importsreaching Australia.

Mr Horsburgh told AAP the committee would ensure that there was not an abnormal amountof imports coming in from countries hit by the tariffs.

"We need to ensure we won't be played for a sucker," he said.

"The government is determined that won't happen."

AWU national secretary Bill Shorten said the task force was a constructive first stepto protecting Australian steel jobs.

"As a union representing more than 10,000 steelworkers effective anti-dumping measuresare a matter of urgency," he said.

The task force will investigate tougher dumping penalties, including retrospectivity,and simpler criteria to trigger anti-dumping provisions.

AAP so/daw/las/sb

KEYWORD: US STEEL AUST NIGHTLEAD