Consumer Trade Groups 'Disappointed' in U.S.-EU Deal on S232

The deal just announced between the U.S. and EU to replace the Section 232 tariffs with a tariff rate quota and to cooperate in reducing climate-changing carbon emissions was seen as a breakthrough by many – but not all. Trade groups representing steel consumers and producers from other parts of the world expressed “disappointment” that the deal swapped one trade restriction for another rather than simply opening the market to free trade.

“News of a U.S.-EU agreement to end the existing Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs for a certain amount of imported steel is good news for U.S. manufacturers who continue to experience the highest prices in the world and long delivery delays. However, it is disappointing that the agreement will not completely terminate these unnecessary trade restrictions on our allies,” said a statement from the Coalition of American Metal Manufacturers and Users. CAMMU claims to represent 30,000 manufacturers who employ more than a million American workers.