Although "Steel Town, USA" is but a ghost from the past, a recent decision potentially could bring growth back to the Valley's steel industry.

The United States Department of Commerce (DOC) has determined that Chinese steel makers are dumping steel in the U.S. far below fair market value.

The DOC has found that Chinese producers and exporters of tubular steel have sold the steel pipe, which is used in the gas and oil well drilling industries, at up to 51.34% less than fair market value.

Allied Tube & Conduit (IL); IPSCO Tubulars, Inc. (KY); Northwest Pipe Company (OR); Sharon Tube Company (PA); Western Tube & Conduit Corporation (CA); Wheatland Tube Company (NJ); and the United Steelworkers (PA) are the petitioners for these investigations. If Commerce makes a final affirmative determination and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) makes a final determination that imports of circular welded carbon quality steel pipe from China materially injure, or threaten material injury to, the domestic industry, Commerce will issue an antidumping duty order.

This is good news for V&M Star in Youngstown and Wheatland Tube Company in Howland, both of which are investing millions into local facilities. This will bring Chinese steel prices to par with American steel companies, thus leveling the playing field.

What is disturbing is that these cheap Chinese pipes have been used in gas wells. Using the quality and reliability of China's other exports as an example, these pipes should start bursting at any time.

This is a step in the right direction. Getting out of the WTO and imposing tariffs would secure our economic future.

This once bustling steel town was on the brink of death, but a weak pulse may have been found.

Let's hope the ITC confirms the DOC's findings. If a reversal comes to this decision, make sure the last one out gets the lights.