Economy

Association Leaders React to Buy America Guidance
Written by David Schollaert
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
Read more from David SchollaertLatest in Economy

Chicago Business Barometer falls back in April, remains in contraction
The Chicago Business Barometer declined in April, reversing March’s gains, according to Market News International (MNI) and the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).

Fewer manufacturers optimistic about the economy
PMA’s April report shows that only 16% of surveyed manufacturers anticipate an increase in economic activity in the next three months (down from 23% in March)

Architecture billings continue to slide in March
Architecture firms said billings continued to decline in March, according to the latest Architecture Billings Index (ABI) released by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Deltek.

Beige Book shows concerns about trade policy
Manufacturing was mixed, but two-thirds of districts said activity was little changed or had declined.

New York state manufacturing index drops again in April
Firms were pessimistic, with the future general business conditions index falling to its second lowest reading in the more than 20-year history of the survey