Lawmaker Asks Biden to Curb Mexican Steel Imports
Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, called on the Biden administration to act on a surge in Mexican steel imports that are violating the 2019 Joint Agreement on Steel and Aluminum. The surge is driven by the Chinese government, which is routing steel through Mexico to avoid U.S. tariffs, Brown said in a June 25 letter.
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Mexican shipments now account for over 87% of U.S. steel imports and imports are 472% over the "historic baseline," Brown said, citing economic analysis published by the Coalition for a Prosperous America. Mexico also has increased steel imports from China and India, with Mexican imports of Chinese steel and iron products doubling between 2015 and 2023, Brown said.
"The time is now to take remedial action to stop China and other countries from routing steel imports through Mexico to evade tariffs and it is essential that Mexico comply with the 2019 Joint Agreement," Brown said. He reiterated support for bipartisan legislation that would reinstate 25% tariffs on Mexican steel for not honoring the joint agreement (see 2403120048).