The U.S. ITC has received a petition to investigate imports of large-diameter, welded pipe from six countries. It may prove politically controversial in touching on five other trade policy matters: the section 232 review of the steel industry broadly; it includes Canada and so touches NAFTA; China is also targeted, bringing the section 301 review into play; South Korea’s part in the case may overshadow KORUS talks; and there is an outstanding Executive Order on U.S. pipeline sourcing. Imports of the pipe products covered surged 124% on a year earlier in the past three months, bringing...