USW Again Calls On Trump to Impose Steel Tariffs
09/25/2017 - Citing ArcelorMittal’s decision to halt plate rolling at its Conshohocken, Pa., USA, plant, the United Steelworkers union is issuing a new call to the Trump administration to complete its national security review of steel imports.
"The idling of this steel facility and layoff of more than 200 highly skilled steel workers is another direct blow to our national security," said USW International President Leo W. Gerard.
"Our soldiers deployed in harm's way depend on products made in this facility in building Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicles, Bradley land systems and all Navy Seapower systems. This steel closure is on the administration's watch. At what point will they conclude their investigation and act?"
Platts reported last week that ArcelorMittal was preparing to halt plate rolling operations at the mill due to soft demand and pressure from unfairly traded imports.
The Trump administration is reviewing whether to impose tariffs or other restrictions on steel imports under Section 232 of Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The act allows the president to move to limit imports on account of national security concerns.
The review was expected to be completed this spring. However, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said a decision is being put off as the administration focuses on tax reform.
"The policy decision has been made to postpone that until the tax bill," Ross said during an interview on Bloomberg Television.
"Our soldiers deployed in harm's way depend on products made in this facility in building Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicles, Bradley land systems and all Navy Seapower systems. This steel closure is on the administration's watch. At what point will they conclude their investigation and act?"
Platts reported last week that ArcelorMittal was preparing to halt plate rolling operations at the mill due to soft demand and pressure from unfairly traded imports.
The Trump administration is reviewing whether to impose tariffs or other restrictions on steel imports under Section 232 of Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The act allows the president to move to limit imports on account of national security concerns.
The review was expected to be completed this spring. However, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said a decision is being put off as the administration focuses on tax reform.
"The policy decision has been made to postpone that until the tax bill," Ross said during an interview on Bloomberg Television.
