International Trade Commission still must make the final determination

By Ramona du Houx

September 23, 2010

Congressman Michaud speaks out for workers and manufacturing jobs. Photo by Ramona du Houx

On September 22, 2010 the Department of Commerce decided in favor of U.S. paper manufacturers and their workers who filed a petition against Chinese and Indonesian subsidized imports. A positive outcome for the domestic industry and its workers still requires the International Trade Commission (ITC) to make a final, affirmative ruling in their favor. That decision is expected on October 19th.

“This is fantastic news and it means we are one step closer to crossing the finish line in this case,” said Congressman Mike Michaud, who testified before the ITC last week in support of the domestic industry and its workers. “A final, affirmative ITC determination in this case is critical to the paper industry, its workers and our state’s economy. Finding in favor of our manufacturers will help level the playing field, making it possible for our companies to survive and create and sustain jobs.”

For months, Michaud has been working with Sappi Fine and NewPage, which have mills and many workers in Maine and are petitioners in this case, to press the U.S. Department of Commerce and the ITC to assess tariffs on Chinese and Indonesian paper imports in order to offset their rate of state subsidization.