SMA: U.S. Can’t Take One-Size-Fits-All Approach to Section 232 Tariff Negotiations

By Philip Bell, President, Steel Manufacturers Association

As we approach the holidays, there are some who believe that a swift Section 232 deal with Japan is essential. Some also believe a Japanese deal should be equivalent to the deal reached with the European Union this October. The notion of a Jan. 1, 2022, deal deadline has even been floated. These sentiments may be based on Japan’s new Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s generally pro-American stance. However, we cannot let politics force us to rush to conclusions, or allow Japan to have unrealistic expectations.