WASHINGTON — Tariffs put in place by the Trump administration are still in place on imported steel from China and other countries.
Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN) is adamant that the tariffs need to stay in place in order to help keep the domestic steel market viable, especially since Indiana has such a big stake in the U.S. steel market.
“Nearly half the world’s steel capacity is housed within China. The Trump administration implemented Section 232 tariffs which helped stabilize the steel industry,” Braun said. “These efforts saved thousands of jobs. As you know the tariffs are designed to protect from that global overcapacity.”
Braun noted that many trade allies of the United States want the 232 tariffs lifted.
In questioning U.S Trade Representative Katherine Tai on Capitol Hill Wednesday, Braun asked her if the White House would reassure both he and Americans that the tariffs would stay in place.
“I understand, see, and fully accept that there is a global overcapacity problem with the steel market,” Tai responded. “The tools that have been used, the 232 tariffs, have had an impact on steel production in the United States, a positive one, but they have also carried with them costs.”
Costs of doing business with other countries that make steel, Tai said. She said steel is not the only market with which the U.S. is having to navigate global overcapacity issues when it comes to China.
She said she would be open to working with Braun and other lawmakers on ensuring solutions to solve these issues so it does not adversely affect American industry.
