US anti-dumping duties against cement draw fire

US President George Bush should cut anti-dumping duties against Mexican cement since high material costs are plaguing Florida as it recovers from Hurricane Charley, according to an industry group, newspaper and congressional lawmaker. "Florida's storm victims shouldn't end up suffering more as the government protects an industry to their and most other Americans' detriment," The Los Angeles Times said in an editorial. Hurricane damage in Florida is estimated at roughly US$15bn, while the state's cement shortages are "critical," the paper said. Before the hurricane hit this month, Florida was importing about 40% of cement compared with a 20% rate nationwide. While the paper's editorial takes aim at anti-dumping laws in general, Florida representative Mark Foley is pushing for a temporary cut to the Mexican cement import duties, the congressman's communications director Jason Kello told BNamericas. Foley has written two letters to US commerce secretary Donald Evans since May, asking the administration to reduce anti-dumping duties while Florida's construction sector recovers from supply problems and, more recently, reconstruction works. "Mexican cement is readily available in large quantities and is convenient and efficient as far as transportation costs are concerned," reads the latest letter, dated August 18. "This action is absolutely necessary for the reconstruction of Florida." The US National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) also is pushing for cuts to import duties on Mexican cement, saying the move would lower construction costs and delays. Cement deliveries from Mexico take about four days compared to 44 days from Asia. "It makes sense to rescind the costly anti-dumping duties on Mexican cement which are preventing a stable and reliable supply of imports to US consumers," NAHB CEO Jerry Howard said in a statement.