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According to Platts, U.S. metalworking organizations resumed their debate last week over the application of steel and aluminum tariffs under section 232 after the U.S. Customs and Border Guard Service announced on March 20 through the Freight Systems Messaging Service that it will consider deferring payment of estimated import duties and taxes in response to the economic severity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Aluminum Association said on Friday March 27 in an email to its members that it “continues to advocate for the abolition of aluminum tariffs in section 232 for all market economies” in response to a statement from the customs service that prompted the Trump administration to soften tariffs regulations.
Similarly, on Wednesday March 25, the Coalition of American Metal Producers and Users demanded that the Trump administration immediately abolish steel and aluminum tariffs specified in Section 232 to help US producers experiencing economic pressure caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Many steel and aluminum manufacturers use parts for the production of medical equipment and other important sectors (CAMMU), and the US government should do everything possible to help them, instead of taxing their tariff operations without having to,” said CAMMU. statement.
CAMMU added that tariffs, initially introduced by the Trump administration in March 2018, have damaged manufacturers and consumers of steel and aluminum in the United States before the pandemic.
On the other hand, the American Primary Aluminum Association on Thursday March 26 urged the CBP to avoid tariff cuts.
“On behalf of American primary aluminum producers, we are calling for a policy that would undermine Section 232's tariff program and harm American aluminum workers,” said APAA CEO Mark Duffy, adding that easing tariffs will allow importers to “ponder the system” with sharp import surges that present a clear and present danger to US interests.
All representatives of the US steel industry adhere to the same position. They advocate the preservation of import duties under Section 232.
Despite calls for tariff cancellation, the White House continues to deny any intention to change tariffs under section 232.
D. Trump strengthened his favorable position on tariff programs, especially regarding steel imports, during a press conference on Thursday March 26.
“We have very high steel dumping rates, and we don’t like it when steel passes through our border, which was dumped in Canada, so that they can avoid the tariff,” Trump said. “You know, I am for a high tariff for steel, and this is great for our metallurgical companies.”
