For Immediate Release

BETHLEHEM, Pa., June 7, 2002 - In response to media inquiries concerning the first round of exclusions granted by the office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the following statement is attributable to Robert S. Miller, Jr. chairman and chief executive officer of Bethlehem Steel Corporation:

"The office of the USTR has granted 61 exclusions to the tariff program on steel products announced by President Bush on March 5. Of those 61 products, 42 are flat rolled steel, which is the primary product of Bethlehem. Thirty-six of those products are not made by Bethlehem, while six products are made by Bethlehem. Of the six exclusions granted, most products come from mills in Europe.

"The exclusions granted by the USTR are not of a concern. However, we remain concerned that the President's steel trade program not be compromised by additional exemptions that would not allow the 201 program to do the job it was intended to do. We are hopeful that the office of the USTR will continue to grant exemptions only to products that are not made by domestic producers who were to be provided breathing room by the 201 program to restructure and increase competitiveness.

"Additionally, we remain concerned by the negative publicity about the 201 program and the erroneous implication that steel prices are dramatically rising to the detriment of our U.S. steel consumers. Steel prices are being restored to levels that are far from their height and are merely taking us out of the 20-year-low price abyss that was created following the onslaught of imports that began in late 1997. "

Media Contact:
Bette Kovach
610-694-6308
Public Affairs Department
Bethlehem Steel Corporation

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