41.   He defended the tariffs as a temporary measure permitted by the free-trading World Trade Organization to protect American steel producers.

42.   Imports already are declining, but the American steel industry fears that only is temporary.

43.   Korean businessmen attending the luncheon questioned Hubbard about a recent U.S. trade panel ruling that claimed subsidized South Korean imports have hurt American steel companies.

44.   Meanwhile, American steel makers argue that the exclusions are undermining the tariffs.

45.   President Bush decided Tuesday to initiate a trade case that could impose sharp restrictions on steel imports to protect the beleaguered American steel industry.

46.   Representatives of domestic and foreign steel companies blamed each other for financial problems facing the American steel industry.

47.   Robert Lighthizer, who represents American steel companies, said the issue is not whether the American industry has been hurt but what caused the damage.

48.   South Korea on Tuesday disputed a U.S. trade panel ruling that said subsidized South Korean imports have hurt American steel companies.

49.   The American steel industry is overdue for a piece of good news, and the decision to make the trade case certainly qualifies.

50.   The American steel industry accused Japanese steelmakers of dumping their products in the United States to offset a slump in Japan.