Canada
December 5, 2025
AISI's Dempsey gives proposals to USTR ahead of USMCA review
Written by Ethan Bernard
The American Iron and Steel Institute’s (AISI’s) Kevin Dempsey gave a series of policy proposals ahead of the review of the USMCA trade agreement next year.
Speaking before the US Trade Representative, AISI President and CEO Dempsey said the benefits of the trade deal have been “eroded” because of steel imports into Mexico and Canada from other regions of the world.
“This increase in non-North American steel imports is one consequence of the global steel overcapacity crisis that has plagued the industry in recent years,” he said, according to an AISI statement on Dec. 4.
Among the recommendations: Mexico and Canada adopting a “steel tariff regime equivalent in restrictive effect to the current Section 232 steel tariffs.”
He noted this would in effect create a “common external steel tariff” for all of North America.
Another included “establishing a new melted and poured rule of origin for all steel products to qualify as originating in North America under the USMCA and for Section 232 and equivalent tariff regimes in Mexico and Canada.”
All of the six actions he enumerated were aimed at combating alleged unfair trade practices.
“We believe that these actions will improve market conditions for American steel producers and ensure that the intended benefits of the USMCA are in fact achieved,” Dempsey said.
The USMCA between Canada, Mexico, and the US entered into force on July 1, 2020. The treaty requires the parties to undertake a joint review no later than six years after it went into effect (i.e., by July 1, 2026) and every six years thereafter.
Dempsey’s remarks were made at the public hearing on the first joint review of the USMCA.
