AHAM Applauds Steel Tariff Repeal
Washington, DC The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers
has applauded President Bush’s decision to repeal steel tariffs
that were implemented some 20 months ago.
“This decision was needed to maintain excellent quality and
consumer value for home appliances produced in the U.S., and to
keep home appliance manufacturing jobs on U.S. soil,” said AHAM
president Joseph McGuire.
Representatives of AHAM had testified last June before the
International Trade Commission (ITC) regarding the tariffs on
imported steel and their effect on the home appliance industry.
AHAM members claimed they experienced increased costs of steel
products, as well as frequent difficulties in obtaining quality
steel from domestic steel producers.
Several AHAM members said they have seen purchase price
increases from 17% to 30% above pre-April 2002 levels.
“This increase has impacted appliance production, and in some
cases, changed product assembly schedules,” AHAM charged.
AHAM members produce more than 94% of the appliances shipped for
sale each year within the U.S., and consume nearly 3 million tons
of steel per year, most of which is supplied by domestic companies,
according to the association.