The U.S. International Trade Commission has ruled seamless steel pipe imported from Czech Republic is hurting U.S. industry, a win for Vallourec Star.

The commission’s ruling Thursday means the U.S. Department of Commerce will issue an antidumping order on imports of the product from the central European country.

U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, who in early March testified before the commission, urging it to enforce trade laws on dumping and subsidizing the pipe, called the decision “great news for Vallourec and our entire region.

“As our country begins to put the COVID-19 pandemic behind us, it is more important than ever to ensure that we continue to protect American jobs and industry. It is critical that we keep fighting to make sure our workers have the tools and resources they need to challenge these unfair trade practices and assist regain their footing so they can fairly compete now and in the future,” Ryan, D-Howland, said.

Vallourec, which employs 500 workers, invested more than $1 billion between 2012 and 2020 at its plant in Youngstown to make seamless pipe for the oil and gas industry.

The trade commission is expected to issue final determinations on the remaining countries — Korea, Russian and Ukraine — later this year.

business@tribtoday.com