Policy and Planning Committee Addresses AISI Initiatives

AISI's Policy and Planning Committee met on March 23, 2006 in Monterrey, Mexico, an opportunity to discuss key issues that AISI member companies are facing. Strategic issues included a constructive discussion on the current Doha Round strategy, which is to encourage the U.S. government to go more on the offensive in defending and maintaining America's trade laws, recognizing that if U.S. trade laws are weakened as a result of this Round, Asian competitors will be the winners.

The industry's Gulf Coast Steel Initiative, designed to help build back better the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Region is underway. See the related story, "Gulf Coast Steel Initiative Lays Foundation—Challenges, But Optimism Are Ahead." Regarding proposed launch of a communications campaign targeting policymakers, there was consensus that the Capitol Campaign would complement the industry's lobbying efforts in Washington and would serve the industry's long-term communications objectives. Among key messages: (1) we have a great product that serves America well, and (2) we have incredible people who are making the industry stronger than ever before.

Hosted by AISI's Mexican members, the meeting featured a dinner at which Humberto Jasso, Director General For Heavy And High-Tech Industries, Ministry of Economy of Mexico, spoke about the astounding impact of China's rapidly expanding steel industry on the global marketplace. For more information, contact Katie Gallagher.