AISI Statement on Implementation of Additional Steel Tariffs

March 12, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Kevin Dempsey, president and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), released the following statement regarding the 25 percent tariffs on steel imports under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, going into effect today:

“AISI supports President Trump’s actions implementing tariffs on imported steel and eliminating the steel Section 232 exclusion process that has been exploited as a loophole by foreign producers seeking to avoid tariffs. The comprehensive program of national security tariffs and other measures on steel imports put in place in 2018 allowed the American steel industry to restart idled mills, rehire laid-off workers and begin investing tens of billions of dollars in new and upgraded plants. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of those measures has been eroded in recent years and foreign steel overproduction has led to increased dumping of excess foreign steel production onto world markets, as well as widespread transshipment and diversion of steel from third countries. AISI applauds the president’s actions to restore the integrity of the tariffs on steel and implement a robust and reinvigorated program to address unfair trade practices. America must have a sustainable, commercially viable steel industry to meet its national security needs.”

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Contact: Lisa Harrison

202.452.7115 / lharrison@steel.org

AISI serves as the voice of the American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI’s membership is comprised of integrated and electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmakers, steel pipe and tube manufacturers, and steel processors and fabricators reflecting the production and distribution of both carbon and stainless steels which are critical to the everyday lives of all Americans — including national security, roads and bridges, buildings, the electrical grid, clean energy technologies and the automotive market. AISI also represents associate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry. For more news about steel and its applications, view AISI’s website at www.steel.org. Follow AISI on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter (@AISISteel) or Instagram.