The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has decided to continue its investigation into the importation of unwrought palladium from Russia, following concerns raised by Montana’s congressional delegation. The commission found there is reasonable indication that these imports, allegedly sold in the United States at prices below fair value and subsidized by the Russian government, are harming the domestic mining industry.
Last month, members of Montana’s delegation sent a letter urging action against what they described as Russia’s predatory trade practices. They called for protection of critical mineral production both in Montana and nationwide. The Sibanye-Stillwater Metallurgical Complex in Columbus, Montana—currently the only primary source of palladium and platinum in the country—has been affected by these practices.
Senator Sheehy stated: “Russia has routinely undercut Montana’s mining industry by flooding the U.S. market with unwrought, underpriced palladium. We cannot allow overseas adversaries to secure a monopoly over resources that are critical to both our national defense and our energy economy, and I am hopeful the USITC’s continued investigation will result in decisive action to protect Montana jobs, safeguard our critical minerals industry, and secure America’s future.”
Senator Daines said: “The dumping of Russian palladium has had a direct impact on Montana livelihoods, causing the loss of nearly 700 jobs at the Sibanye-Stillwater Mine. Palladium is vital to our national security, and it’s critical that we support Made-In-Montana energy instead of allowing Russian critical minerals to flood the market and threaten American jobs and security. I am encouraged by the USITC’s continued investigation into the dumping of unwrought, underpriced palladium and will continue fighting to ban the importation of critical minerals from Russia, so we can ensure America remains globally energy dominant.”
Congressman Downing added: “The USITC’s decision to continue its investigation is welcome news for U.S. national security and, most importantly, for the approximately 700 hardworking Montanans who were laid off at Sibanye-Stillwater mine as a result of Russian commodity dumping. I won’t stop fighting for an outcome that secures domestic critical mineral production and restores these high-paying jobs to Second District communities.”
Congressman Zinke commented: “Montana’s mines are on the front lines of America’s resource security, and they deserve a fair shake. Russia has manipulated the palladium market to try to drive American production out of business, and that’s a direct threat to our national security and Montana jobs. The Sibanye-Stillwater mine is the only primary source of palladium in the country; protecting it means protecting America’s ability to defend itself and power its economy. I fully support the USITC’s investigation and hope it will lead to strong action that puts an end to Russia’s predatory trade practices.”
The USITC’s ongoing inquiry follows concerns about job losses at Sibanye-Stillwater Mine due to increased competition from Russian imports.
