AISI Statement on USTR Section 301 Action on Forced Labor

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Kevin Dempsey, president and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute, provided the following statement regarding the announcement today by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) that it is imposing tariffs on a number of countries as a result of its Section 301 investigations on Failures to Ban Imports Produced with Forced Labor: 

“We welcome efforts by the administration to address unfair trade practices that distort trade and harm American workers. U.S. trade law has long prohibited the importation of goods produced with forced labor, as such practices not only violate fundamental human rights but also further distort global markets by allowing products made under abusive conditions to undercut responsible producers. Enforcing laws against trade in goods made with forced labor practices will help ensure that American industries and their workers can truly compete on a level playing field.”

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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.