Trade Cases

SMA: Time to Act on Section 232

Written by Sandy Williams


The Senate passed a tax bill on Dec. 2 and is now in the process of reconciling it with the legislation passed by the House last month. Steel Manufacturers Association President Philip Bell said in a statement on Saturday, “It is our hope that after reconciliation the final legislation will result in significant economic growth that improves the fiscal situation for individuals, small businesses and corporations.”

With the most intense part of crafting the tax bill completed, SMA says the administration should now fulfill its pledge to steelmakers.

“With taxes completed, it is time to finish the Section 232 investigation and release the report on or before the statutory deadline in mid-January,” said Bell. “This will give the president ample time to review the report and propose remedies.

The Section 232 investigation, initiated in April, was tabled by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross so that Congress could focus on tax reform. 

“Dealing with unfair and illegal trade that threatens our national security is vital,” added Bell. “A positive 232 outcome coupled with tax reforms will help SMA members continue to build businesses, lives and communities.”

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