MO SCR50

Spartan Light Metal Products, a family-owned magnesium die casting company employing over 600 people since 1961, is being harmed by tariffs 731-TA-1071 and 731-TA-1072 on imported magnesium alloys that allow the nation's sole magnesium producer to set prices without competition.

Foreign competitors can purchase magnesium at global prices and export finished products to U.S. markets without tariff penalties, displacing U.S. manufacturing jobs and threatening the die casting industry with bankruptcy.

U.S. car manufacturers face cost and weight disadvantages against foreign competitors in meeting fuel economy requirements, with approximately 60% of Spartan Light Metal Products' magnesium business for 2011 disappearing.

Urges the President and Congress to either lift tariffs 731-TA-1071 and 731-TA-1072 on die cast magnesium alloys from China and Russia or place similar tariffs on imported assemblies and products made from die cast magnesium alloys.

Directs the Missouri Senate Secretary to send copies of this resolution to the President of the United States and Missouri's congressional delegation.