The Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA) is urging Congress to safeguard Section 232 tariffs, Kallanish learns from a SMA press release.
In testimony at the State of Steel hearing, SMA chairman Barry Schneider notes that the US steel industry is in a strong position, supported by pro-manufacturing policies and past tax reforms. He did warn that challenges like Chinese oversupply, high interest rates and slow permitting still threatens progress.
Schneider calls on the White House to maintain strict enforcement of Section 232 to prevent unfairly traded imports.
“The 232 tariffs on steel have been a tremendous asset to the American steel industry and bolstered national security since they were first introduced in 2018,” states the SMA chairman.
The panel urges strengthening the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) by adding tougher rules, including “melt and pour” standard for steel, stronger labour value requirements and aligned border measures in Canada and Mexico. These steps aim to reduce dependence on non-market steel from countries including China and to increase North American steel demand.
“A strengthened USMCA could be instrumental in boosting steel demand across the region, advancing both the American steel industry and the administration’s broader trade policy goals,” adds Schneider.
Federal infrastructure spending, including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, is crucial for boosting demand for American steel. Passing the Leveling the Playing Field 2.0 Act would strengthen the tools needed to fight unfair trade practices, according to the testimony.
