Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, April 17, 1990 TAG: 9004170097
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: A5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
Most of the controversial imports are ferroalloys, strategic commodities never intended by Congress to be banned under the law, said department spokeswoman Margaret D. Tutwiler.
The administration's definition of steel was upheld in a federal court in 1987 and certain prefabricated products are not included in the definition, she said.
"This administration will continue to enforce fully all provisions of the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act," Tutwiler said. "This is an old issue that has been thoroughly reviewed by the Treasury Department."
Another U.S. official, requesting anonymity, said some prefabricated items such as toasters and some ferroalloys had been imported. The official said the volume of imports was not readily available.
The New York Times, quoting Commerce Department officials, reported Saturday that more than 900,000 tons of South African iron and steel products worth at least $350 million had entered the United States despite the sanctions.
"Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no iron or steel produced in South Africa may be imported into the United States," the law says.
The Times said Treasury Department lawyers had defined "steel" to exclude fabricated products such as girders, beams and plates used in bridge construction. But Rep. John Bryant, D-Texas, took issue with the interpretation.
"There is no excuse for the administration to allow even one ounce, much less billions of pounds, of such products to enter the United States," Bryant told the Times.
The law, passed by Congress over President Reagan's veto, also bans new lending and investment, flights to and from South Africa and imports of South African coal, textiles, uranium, farm products and gold coins.
by CNB