Steel trade groups applaud Trump's S232 tariffs

Further, they urged that no special arrangements be given “to foreign countries that would eliminate or reduce steel Section 232 tariff coverage,” as negotiations on reciprocal tariffs are ongoing.

The groups said:

“The Section 232 steel tariffs remain critical for the American steel industry, as global steel market conditions remain challenging and industry capacity utilization remains
below the 80% utilization goal identified in the
Commerce Department’s 2018 Section 232 report.”

Additionally, the groups criticized unfair trade practices and subsidies, while also calling out countries that seek exemptions.

“Unfortunately, rather than taking actions to address the impact of the global steel overcapacity crisis in their own markets, many of our trading partners seem focused on negotiating unwarranted exemptions to the US Section 232 steel tariffs,” the letter said.

Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Indonesia were explicitly named as seeking exemptions.

The letter continued: “We believe it is essential to maintain an effective Section 232 steel tariff program as a central feature of your trade policy agenda to promote US national and economic security.”

The groups look forward to continuing to work with the Trump administration “to uphold the integrity of the steel Section 232 program and ensure the health and competitiveness of the American steel industry.”

Recall that Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum were doubled in June to 50% from 25% previously.