U.S. builders ask Commerce Secretary to open cement imports from Mexico

U.S. builders ask Commerce Secretary to open cement imports from Mexico    The United States’ largest and oldest construction trade association has asked U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez to suspend antidumping orders against imports of Mexican cement to help head off a domestic shortage.
   The Associated General Contractors of America said it has received reports from contractors and concrete suppliers nationwide documenting quotas, delays and possible layoffs due to cement shortages in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri and Florida.
   “What makes these reports especially alarming is that they are coming at the beginning of the high-demand season for cement, meaning more severe problems are almost certain in the near future,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, chief executive officer of the Washington-based association, in a June 3 statement.
   “We urge the secretary to head off a crisis that could spread throughout the economy by concluding agreements with domestic cement producers to suspend the antidumping duty on Mexican cement,” he added.
   The association said Mexican cement could reach the United States in days by barge or rail, which would reduce congestion and delays for ocean carriers, U.S. ports and their customers, as well as the construction industry.