Section 232 Investigation Worries U.S. Allies

The United States’ NATO allies are worried about the upcoming decision on the Section 232 investigation of steel imports and their impact on national security. European officials warn that restrictions on EU imports could add to the anti-American sentiment already building in Europe over Russian sanctions, the withdrawal from the Paris climate accord and President Trump’s wavering attitude on NATO itself. 

U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis has been contacted by military officials from Germany and the Netherlands who fear that broad-based import restrictions will harm America’s allies, according to a report by Reuters. Mattis is said to be aligned with Gary Cohn, head of the National Economic Council, in urging restraint on any trade actions.