While the U.S. International Trade Commission has recently made a ruling that will allow America to collect duties of up to 16 percent on Chinese-made steel pipe, a local businessman said he hopes more is done to level the playing field.
Larry Gross, of Backyard Buddy, a company that makes steel automotive lifts, said the fact that China can produce the product at such a low cost has hurt his company. During a press conference Monday, Gross told Congressman Tim Ryan, D-Niles, that due to China's low prices his company has suffered.
Gross said 10 years ago he had 40 employees. Today, he has 21.
Ryan said the U.S.will continue to work to level the playing field to help companies here compete.
"They protect their products, and that is smart for them but it is dumb for us to let them do it," Ryan said.
