SMA Calls for Section 232 Remedies ‘Sooner Rather Than Later’

As plugged into Washington as they may be, the leadership of the Steel Manufacturers Association is in the dark on Section 232, just like everyone else. Queried by reporters last week during SMA’s board meeting in Florida, the trade group’s officers could offer no inside information on what to expect from President Trump as he continues to ponder whether to restrict steel imports on national security grounds.

“We think the administration should announce remedies sooner rather than later. We think it is very important we get on with this process,” said SMA President Philip Bell. “We understand the administration must thread the needle here. There are a lot of interests involved, that of domestic steel producers, our end-user customer base, as well as our allies and NAFTA partners. We are confident the president will come up with remedies that are effective, meaningful and impactful taking all those different variables into consideration.”