Trade Cases
American steelmakers warmly welcome Trump steel tariffs
Written by Laura Miller
February 11, 2025
American steel producers are praising President Trump’s reignition of the 25% Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.
The two major trade associations representing US steelmakers responded positively to this week’s tariff news, lauding the Trump administration’s commitment to strengthening the domestic steel industry.
“AISI welcomes President Trump’s continued commitment to a strong American steel industry, which is essential to America’s national security and economic prosperity,” said Kevin Dempsey, president and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).
Dempsey noted that the association will be working closely with the administration on implementing “a robust and reinvigorated trade agenda” to level the playing field for American steelmakers.
Likewise, the Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA) cheered Trump’s decisive action.
“Tariffs are a powerful tool to fight against unfair trade and state-sponsored overcapacity around the world and compel other nations to take a serious approach to fair trade,” said SMA President Philip K. Bell.
These new tariff “actions are a critical component of the president’s plan to restore American manufacturing and strengthen our national security,” Bell added. “Embracing pro-growth tax policies, fighting unfair trade and comprehensive regulatory reform will fuel an economic renaissance.”
Laura Miller
Read more from Laura MillerLatest in Trade Cases
SMU Community Chat: Alan Price unpacks latest in rapidly shifting tariff terrain
International trade attorney Alan Price sat down with SMU to unpack the latest developments in Trump’s tariff merry-go-round.
Miller on Trade: USTR proposes increased port fees for Chinese vessels
The US Trade Representative (USTR) has drafted a proposal targeting the Chinese shipbuilding industry by setting elevated port fees for any maritime shipping company associated with Chinese-built vessels.
Undiluted Section 232 steel tariffs are officially back on the books
The United States has officially reinstated undiluted Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum as of Wednesday, . All imports of the metals, as well as some derivative products, now face a 25% tax when entering the US.
Canada retaliates with tariffs on US steel, aluminum; EU plans counterattack too
Canada and the European Union are retaliating against what they deem to be unjustified tariffs on steel and aluminum by the United States.
Steel, manufacturing, and union groups divided on S232 tariffs
Domestic steel trade associations, manufacturing groups, and the United Steelworkers (USW) union had mixed reactions to the implementation of new Section 232 tariffs without exclusions on Wednesday. Trade groups representing steel mills broadly supported President Trump’s actions, while the USW and some groups representing manufacturers were more critical. AISI Kevin Dempsey, president and CEO of […]