March 9th, 2006
In this issue of the DispatchThis newsletter we discuss the finalized US-Mexico Import deal, share a ton of safety information from the ACPA, and highlight one of our customers, Interstate Concrete Pumping, with a slide show of a recent mat-pour.
Featured Story: US-MX Cement Import Deal
Last month we reported on the potential deal between the US and Mexico to reduce import tariffs and increase volume limits on Mexican cement. Three days ago, on March 6th, the agreement was signed. Settling a 16-year dispute over the U.S. antidumping duty order on imports of gray portland cement from Mexico, the agreement also opens the door for full revocation of the duty.
The agreement decreases the duty rate from $26 per metric ton to $3 per metric ton, and caps Mexican cement imports at 3 million metric tons—allowing about a million tons more than what was imported last year. Currently there is no cap on imports, but the duty created a virtual cap simply due to the cost of importing the materials. Additionally, the president has the ability to allow an additional 200,000 metric tons to be imported in order to respond to a natural disaster. Assuming the aforementioned provisions are followed, this limit would be eliminated in 3 years.
The agreement will allow Mexico to provide just 2% of US cement consumption based on 2005 figures. Obviously, this will not go far in alleviating the shortages the industry has experienced and is projected to continue experiencing. With limits possibly being lifted completely in 3 years, it will be some time yet before supply can get closer to meeting demand unless domestic production shows dramatic increases.
ACPA Safety News
 Continuing with their mission to improve safety, the ACPA has released two new safety bulletins: "Setting Outriggers to Prevent Accidents" and "Setting Outriggers to Prevent Accidents II - Shortrigging".
Both safety bulletins detail the ACPA's recommended procedures for a safe set-up, including detailed instructions about how to determine a safe location, proper deployment of the outriggers (extension and jacking), as well as the proper use of cribbing to ensure adequate support of the unit.
The ACPA is committed to promoting safety for concrete pump operators, placing crews, and all others working with a concrete pump on the jobsite.
Copies of all ACPA Safety Bulletins may be downloaded from the ACPA website or by contacting the ACPA National Office at 614-431-5618.
Also, don't forget: The ACPA spring board meeting will be held April 21-22 at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, AZ. Participating in these meetings ensures that your voice is heard concerning safety standards, efforts to promote concrete pumping, and the direction of the ACPA. Contact the ACPA for more information.
Mat-Pour Slideshow!
 Interstate Concrete Pumping, a DispatchThis customer, is currently scheduled to do a series of mat-pours in the San Francisco area this month. They sent us some pictures, and we've put together a slideshow for 'em. Check it out. If you've got a pour you're working on or planning to work on which you're proud of or would be cool for others to learn about, get in touch with us, and we'll include you in a future newsletter!
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