RMA, tire makers win wire rod decision

WASHINGTON (Feb. 21)—The Rubber Manufacturers Association and several U.S., tire companies said they won a big victory when trade tariff relief for domestic wire rod exempted tire-cord quality wire rod from the imposed tariffs. The trade association and companies had argued domestic producers can´t provide sufficient quantities of the tire-cord-quality wire rod, which is used as reinforcement in tires, industrial belting and fuel sales. `"We are pleased that wire rod industry representatives and labor leaders agreed to the exemption which is now includes in President Clinton´s tariff relief package," said Donald B. Shea, RMA president and CEO.