Leibowitz on Trade: Section 232 on Autos, Circumvention by Korea and Taiwan

Lewis Leibowitz, trade attorney and contributor to Steel Market Update, offers the following commentary on the latest trade developments in Washington:

• The Section 232 investigation into automobiles and auto parts is in the comment phase. The deadline for written comments is June 22. The hearing in the investigation is on July 19 and 20. If the steel and aluminum cases are any guide, there is a very good chance that the result is precooked. Thus, comments should work on establishing the true national security issues relating to automobiles. It could be that only Congress and the courts can prevent serious damage to the U.S. economy. The U.S. auto industry includes both traditional U.S. companies and U.S. affiliates of foreign companies. Please keep June 22 on your calendar if your business relates at all to automotive production.