American pipe workers and seven producers of standard pipe will be joined by members of Congress, steel suppliers and customers to stop an unfair surge of China pipe imports at a public hearing before the International Trade Commission

According to the petition filed under a special provision of trade law, China imports of standard pipe have surged from 9,000 tons in 2002 to 266,000 tons in 2004 and nearly 200,000 tons in the first half of this year. China pipe prices are less than the cost of raw materials. The impact on U.S. pipe makers has caused shipment levels to plummet, layoffs and wage reductions for domestic pipe workers.

Standard pipe is used to convey water, steam and gases in plumbing, air conditioning and heating, building fire sprinklers, sign posts, fence, auto and other applications.