U.S. Manufacturer Praises new Tariffs on Fittings, Flanges

A Trump Administration decision to add tariffs on Chinese-made pipe fittings and flanges has drawn strong support from a major U.S. manufacturer and supplier to the pipeline industry.

“As a family owned and operated business that manufactures these products here in the United States, it is gratifying to see the United States finally take direct and decisive action against these Chinese imports,” James Coulas, Jr., president and CEO of Weldbend Corporation.

Coulas’ comments were included in a statement issued by the Illinois-based company shortly after the United States announced a new 10% tariff on butt weld pipe fittings and carbon steel flanges from China, effective Sept. 24, which will increase to 25% on Jan. 1 unless trade issues are resolved. The tariffs are in addition to existing antidumping duty orders of approximately 35% to 183% on carbon steel butt weld pipe fittings from China.

Weldbend said the additional tariffs are a response to China’s “failure to change its policies that coerce American companies into transferring their technology and intellectual property to domestic Chinese enterprises (policies aimed at bolstering China’s stated intention of seizing economic leadership in advanced technology).”

“We are extremely pleased with the administration’s decision to address China’s unfair trade practices,” Coulas said.  “This action, along with the recent preliminary decision on Malaysian circumvention, and the inclusion of welded outlets/shaped nipples under the Chinese antidumping order, give us great hope that the United States government finally recognizes the threat of China’s cheating.”

Related News

Comments

{{ error }}
{{ comment.comment.Name }} • {{ comment.timeAgo }}
{{ comment.comment.Text }}