Company Announcements
March 5, 2026
New steel trade group launches with focus on trade policy and action
Written by Laura Miller
A new trade association has been launched dedicated to steel trade law enforcement, policy advocacy, trade action, and education.
The Council on American Steel Trade (CAST) introduces itself as “pro-USA steel manufacturing and is led by trade experts representing every level of the American steel supply chain – from iron ore mining and integrated and mini-mills to processors, downstream steel-derivative producers, and the hardworking men and women of America’s steel workforce.”
CAST’s board of directors comprises U.S. Steel, the United Steelworkers (USW) union, and Zekelman Industries.
Serving as president is Benjamin Blase Caryl, associate general counsel for international trade and Customs compliance at U.S. Steel. Vice presidents are Roy Houseman, USW’s legislative director and assistant to the president, and Mickey McNamara, president of Zekelman Industries.
“CAST champions trade policies that prioritize domestic industries, bring back critical manufacturing, and strengthen national security,” it says.
Specifically, it says it will focus on expanding Section 232 tariffs on steel and steel-intensive imports, as well as anti-dumping and countervailing duties on unfair imports of the same.
“CAST was created to up the steel industry’s game in policy advocacy and serve as an expert resource to U.S. trade policymakers and law enforcement officials,” said Caryl. “CAST is not a talk shop or a think tank: we are a trade action tank!”
Houseman said it’s imperative that American steelworkers have a seat at the table, “especially when it comes to the trade decisions that impact their livelihoods.”
“Strong trade enforcement must support the entire American steel supply chain,” added McNamara. “That includes not only steelmakers, but also pipe and tube producers, fabricators, and manufacturers of steel-intensive goods…. CAST will work to ensure that trade policy keeps pace with today’s trade practices and dynamics and supports American manufacturing at every stage.”
