Trade Cases
American steelmakers warmly welcome Trump steel tariffs
Written by Laura Miller
February 11, 2025
American steel producers are praising President Trump’s reignition of the 25% Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.
The two major trade associations representing US steelmakers responded positively to this week’s tariff news, lauding the Trump administration’s commitment to strengthening the domestic steel industry.
“AISI welcomes President Trump’s continued commitment to a strong American steel industry, which is essential to America’s national security and economic prosperity,” said Kevin Dempsey, president and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).
Dempsey noted that the association will be working closely with the administration on implementing “a robust and reinvigorated trade agenda” to level the playing field for American steelmakers.
Likewise, the Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA) cheered Trump’s decisive action.
“Tariffs are a powerful tool to fight against unfair trade and state-sponsored overcapacity around the world and compel other nations to take a serious approach to fair trade,” said SMA President Philip K. Bell.
These new tariff “actions are a critical component of the president’s plan to restore American manufacturing and strengthen our national security,” Bell added. “Embracing pro-growth tax policies, fighting unfair trade and comprehensive regulatory reform will fuel an economic renaissance.”
Laura Miller
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