Executives Appeal Directly to Trump to Take Action Against Steel Imports Under Section 232
Thirty-one steel executives from 25 U.S. steel and steel-related companies urged President Donald Trump to take immediate and decisive action under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to curb “surging” steel imports. In a letter dated Aug. 23, executives said efforts to combat overcapacity through mechanisms like the G-20 and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development haven’t worked. “Under your bold leadership, Mr. President, with your vision for ‘America First,’ this can and must change,” they wrote. “In June, steel imports hit their highest monthly total in more than two years by capturing 30% of the U.S. market. Immediate action must meaningfully adjust imports to restore healthy levels of capacity utilization and profitability to the domestic industry over a sustained period.”
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The recent influx of steel imports threatens the U.S. industry’s ability to meet national security needs, and only the President can authorize actions to solve the crisis, the executives wrote. The Commerce Department has extended its Section 232 investigation of steel imports well past Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross’ June 30 self-imposed deadline (see 1705240034). An affirmative finding in the probe could result in tariffs, quotas and/or other restraints on steel imports. The White House didn't comment.