AISI Statement on USTR Section 301 Investigations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Kevin Dempsey, president and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute, provided the following statement regarding announcements this week by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) that it is initiating a series of Section 301 investigations on  Structural Excess Capacity and Production in Manufacturing Sectors and Failures to Take Action on Forced Labor:

“AISI applauds USTR for initiating these Section 301 investigations and for continuing to address the serious challenges posed by global structural excess capacity and unfair foreign trade practices. For years, massive government subsidies and non-market policies—particularly in countries like China —have fueled chronic overproduction of steel and other manufactured goods, distorting global markets and undermining fair competition. These practices place significant pressure on the American steel industry and the manufacturing sector — despite our continued investments in advanced technologies, sustainability and high-quality domestic production.”

“AISI also supports the administration’s efforts to address failures to take action on forced labor practices, which not only violate fundamental human rights but also further distort global markets by allowing products made under abusive conditions to undercut responsible producers. By examining both structural overcapacity and forced labor practices, these investigations represent an important step toward restoring fair, market-oriented competition. Strong enforcement of U.S. trade laws will help ensure that American steelmakers and workers can compete on a level playing field while continuing to provide the essential materials that underpin our nation’s manufacturing base, infrastructure and economic security. This is another important step by the administration towards a comprehensive policy to address the many forms of unfair trade practices that distort global trade in steel.”

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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. These steels are critical to America’s national and economic security, including roads and bridges, buildings, the electrical grid, cars and trucks and all clean energy technologies. 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.