Washington, DC – Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-05) has commented on a unanimous affirmative vote by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) on petitions filed to both the U.S. Department of Commerce and ITC by the United Steelworkers and four paper manufacturers, including the Domtar Corporation. Domtar is the owner of a paper mill in Johnsonburg, Elk County, and a paper sheeting/converting operation in Clearfield County. It employs 485 people in Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional District.
The case was brought against China, Indonesia, Brazil, Portugal and Australia, due to claims that the countries were responsible for exporting unfairly priced paper, which led to job losses and plant closures across the United States. As a result, countervailing duties will be placed on the five nations.
Thompson released the following statement:
“Pennsylvania, and especially the Commonwealth’s 5th Congressional District, is well-known for its high-value timber and forest products industry. As for the Domtar paper mill in Johnsonburg and the company’s other local operations, they have provided family-supporting jobs for residents over the course of generations.
“Early this year, I wrote to the U.S. International Trade Commission, speaking out against these unfair practices and asking that they level the playing field for our domestic paper producers. I am very happy with today’s decision, which I believe will help ensure that plants like Johnsonburg’s provide careers for years to come.”