New Study Discusses Trade Barriers, Unfair Raw Materials Advantages
In November, the study Raw Deal: How Governmental Trade Barriers and Subsidies Are Distorting Global Trade in Raw Materials was released, concluding that governments around the world are enacting a variety of trade restrictive measures to gain an unfair advantage in the race for raw materials. The report documents how China, Russia, Ukraine, India and other governments are increasingly participating in the race for raw materials and are intervening in commodity markets in order to protect their domestic industries and sustain economic growth.
The study, written by Wiley Rein LLP and sponsored by the American Scrap Coalition (ASC), details the rise of trade-restrictive measures designed to secure supplies of low-cost raw materials and benefit domestic industrial giants. “These barriers are being used by certain U.S. trading partners to game the system to their advantage while prejudicing those countries that are playing by the rules,” said Alan Price, Wiley Rein LLP, Washington D.C., legal representation for the ASC and one of the study’s authors.
The ASC is calling for immediate action to address these trade-distorting practices on scrap and all raw materials, and will continue to work with the U.S. Trade Representative's Office, the Commerce Department, U.S. Congress and the new Administration to reach a long-term solution to these problems.
For more information on this study or AFS' involvement with the ASC, contact Stephanie Salmon, AFS Washington Office, at 202/842-4864 or ssalmon@afsinc.org.
OSHA Releases Interpretation Letter Regarding Parking Lot Injuries
OSHA recently released an interpretation letter concerning whether employers are responsible for recording employee injuries sustained in the company parking lot. In the interpretation letter, OSHA stated that employees injured in a company parking lot can be deemed work related and is recordable if the work environment either caused or contributed to the injury, or significantly aggravated a preexisting condition.
For more information on this letter, contact Stephanie Salmon, AFS Washington Office, at 202/842-4864 or ssalmon@afsinc.org.
Virtual Plant Tours Now Available on MODERNCASTING.com
In a new video feature on www.moderncasting.com, visitors can tag along with MODERN CASTING editors through the halls of selected metalcasting facilities. This week, take a tour of Corbitt Manufacturing, St. Charles, Mo., which recently won a new contract that will account for more than 10% of the company’s annual sales when it reaches full production, according to Bob Bristow, plant manager. In the video, the plant’s core room, tilt pour permanent mold machines and machine shop are featured.
A tour of AlumAlloy Co. Inc., Ontario Calif., takes visitors through the company’s pattern storage, nobake room, green sand lines and finishing room. AlumAlloy specializes in castings that others can't pour, according to the father and son management team of David and Clark Howell.
PPE Webinar Focuses on Hazard Assessment, Basic Protection
AFS is producing a 30-minute webinar for AFS Corporate Members, on personal protective equipment on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 11:00 AM EST. Important topics covered include hazard assessment, basic protection and specific protection for all body parts in various metalcasting positions. To register for this webinar, click here. For more information, contact Dave Krugman, AFS PR and marketing coordinator, at dkrugman@afsinc.org or 800/537-4237 x 286.
