The Congressional Steel Caucus has written a letter to the Biden
administration asking for intervention in a surge of Mexican steel imports,
arguing it has cost steelworker jobs and poses a threat to domestic steel
production.
Congressional Steel Caucus Chairman Rick Crawford and Vice Chairman
Frank J. Mrvan asked for the administration to pursue tariffs to defend U.S.
steel jobs.
“I thank Chairman Crawford for his partnership in this effort to address
illegal imports that harm our steelworkers and the domestic steel industry,”
Mrvan said. “The livelihoods of steelworkers and their families are dependent
upon a thriving industry and the full and fair enforcement of U.S. trade laws.
I look forward to working with all of my Steel Caucus colleagues and the Administration
to promptly address this matter and defend American workers.”
It’s estimated that imports from Mexico have risen 73% over the
2015-2017 baseline. Semi-finished steel and long product imports have risen by
120% while steel conduit imports are up 577%.
The letter to the Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S.
Trade Representative includes concerns that existing duties are being
circumvented, stating that “significant volumes of steel which were melted and
poured in countries such as Brazil, South Korea, and even Russia have entered
through Mexico to the United States duty-free.” It argues that foreign-made
steel jeopardizes American steelmaker jobs and is less environmentally
friendly, contending that “this is occurring as the American steel industry is
making significant investments in new, state-of-the-art low-emission steel
facilities.”
The missive asserts the import surge has resulted in the loss of more
than 200 steel jobs and the closing of a steel conduit factory so far, warning
that further damage could follow.
“The steel industry has fallen victim to trade partners who fail to
follow U.S. trade laws and continue to trade excessive amounts of illegally
imported steel. We must defend the American steel industry from these bad
actors by working to enforce these laws which ensure a level playing field. I
appreciate the partnership of my colleague Rep. Mrvan in working to address
these threats to the American steelworker,” Crawford said.
The Congressional Steel Caucus is a bipartisan group of more than 100
members of Congress who work to protect the American steel industry, mills and
steelworkers.