Economy

Association Leaders React to Buy America Guidance

April 18, 2022

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) and the Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA) both praised the White House guidance to federal agencies outlining obligations to procure materials domestically for infrastructure projects.

“We appreciate the commitment of the Biden-Harris administration to ensure that all federally-funded infrastructure and public works projects use iron, steel and other products that are made in America,” AISI president and CEO Kevin Dempsey said in a statement.

Dempsey was especially pleased that the initiative would begin to address some federal programs that do not already apply ‘Buy America’ requirements.

“This process would remedy this situation by providing clear guidance to federal agencies for adopting appropriate Buy America requirements for all federally-funded infrastructure projects,” he noted.

Included in the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was the bipartisan, “Build America, Buy America Act,” which applies “Buy America” to all taxpayer-funded infrastructure and public works projects. The new guidance, released by the Office of Management and Budget, furthers this act and aligns it with the “Made in America” executive order that Biden issued shortly after coming into office.

“This announcement is an important first step toward ensuring the fullest possible implementation and enforcement of Buy America domestic procurement preferences by all federal agencies,” Dempsey added. “But this represents just the beginning of a process, and we look forward to working in partnership with the administration and Congress to continue to ensure the use of cleaner American steel in all federally-funded infrastructure projects.”

For Philip Bell, SMA’s president, the announcement shows the Biden Administration’s commitment to the role American manufacturing will play in the nation’s efforts to improve infrastructure.

“This announcement demonstrates the administration’s commitment to ensure that federally funded infrastructure projects are built with steel made by Americans for Americans,” said Philip Bell, SMA’s president. “Clarification and strong enforcement of Buy America domestic procurement preferences will lead to an infrastructure that is made with the cleanest lowest carbon intensity steel in the world.”

“Buy America has bipartisan support, and the American people understand how it contributes to jobs, productivity, and a greener environment. We are pleased with this announcement and are ready to help the Biden administration with the implementation of this process,” added Bell.

By David Schollaert, David@SteelMarketUpdate.com

David Schollaert

David Schollaert is deputy editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. David joined SMU after more than a decade in the metals and mining industry in a myriad of different roles. Much of his early experience and expertise were within the coverage and analysis of steel-making raw materials and served previously as senior editor of the CRU Prices Service. Most recently, however, before his return to market analysis, David held roles as a metals buyer and an operations manager for raw material suppliers. He can be contacted at david@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-720-1008.