The Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court recently ruled in favor of Wheatland Tube, a division of Chicago-based Zekelman Industries, the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America, in its lawsuit against the Republic of Mexico alleging that the country discriminates against steel products manufactured in Pennsylvania.
Wheatland Tube filed a petition under the Public Works Procurement Equalizing Trade Practices Law, citing Mexico’s practice of dumping steel products into the U.S. market at unfairly low prices and breach of trade agreements, and a hearing was held December 2024.
This month, the court granted Wheatland Tube’s petition and affirmed that Mexico’s trade practices unfairly discriminate against Pennsylvania-made steel products. The court order prohibits public agencies and contractors from specifying, purchasing or using steel conduit products made in Mexico for public works projects. It also adds Mexico to the Foreign Registry Docket for discriminatory trade practices.
“This ruling is a monumental step forward for the American steel industry and for fair trade practices,” Barry Zekelman, executive chairman and CEO of Zekelman Industries, said. “It underscores the importance of protecting domestic manufacturers and ensuring that public works projects support local jobs and businesses. We are grateful for the court’s thoughtful consideration of this case and for standing up against unfair trade practices that harm Pennsylvania’s economy.”