U.S. Steelmakers: ‘We’re Not Protectionist’

In their pursuit of free and fair trade, U.S. steelmakers are often called protectionist—a label they increasingly resent.

Steel industry trade groups, including the American Iron and Steel Institute and the Steel Manufacturers Association, have urged the Trump administration to take a harder stance on steel imports. Trade action, including new tariffs or quotas under the now-delayed Section 232, are necessary to counter the unfair advantage held by foreign competitors who are subsidized by their governments, they say. Others in the supply chain contend that restricting steel imports on the grounds they pose a threat to national security is simply a ploy to give domestic steelmakers an opportunity to raise prices. Some even call the domestic steel companies hypocritical in their appeals for more free trade globally while supporting more trade restrictions at home.