For Immediate Release

Public Relations Division
Public Affairs Department
1170 Eighth Avenue
Bethlehem, PA 18016-7699
(610) 694-3711 - Phone
(610) 694-1509 - Fax

BETHLEHEM, Pa., April 29, 1999 -- In response to media inquiries concerning the ruling today by the U.S. Commerce Department on hot-rolled sheet steel products from Japan, the following statement is attributable to Curtis H. Barnette, chairman and chief executive officer, Bethlehem Steel Corporation:

"The U. S. Commerce Department's margins on imports of hot-rolled sheet steel products from Japan have been established as ranging from 17 to 67 percent. This confirms the significant unfair trade and violation of trade laws and the serious injury being caused to Bethlehem and the American steel industry."