Kevin Dempsey, president and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), today applauded the actions taken by US President Trump to ensure the continued effectiveness and durability of the Section 232 steel tariffs.
Section 232 tariffs, were originally implemented at 25 percent level on steel imports and at a 10 percent tariff on aluminum imports on March 18, 2018 during Trump’s first term. The trade measures, formulated under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, were designed to protect the US steel and aluminum industries from imports deemed a threat to US national security. Continued issues with global overcapacity of low-priced steel, mostly from China, caused Trump to double the import tariff levels to 50 percent on June 4, 2025, a level where they remain today.
“AISI commends the decisive action taken today by President Trump to ensure that all steel mill products, including steel pipe and tube, receive the full benefit of the 50 percent tariffs on steel products. We also welcome the steps being taken today to simplify the process for applying the steel tariffs to critical steel derivative products. These measures will ensure that the steel tariff program operates effectively and efficiently and will ensure the long-term durability of the Section 232 tariffs, which remain essential to address the adverse impacts of global steel excess capacity that continues to grow due to foreign subsidies and other trade-distorting practices,” Dempsey said.
“AISI thanks President Trump for his continued strong and unwavering support for the steel industry in the United States, which is essential to our nation’s national and economic security. Today’s measures will help protect the integrity of the steel tariff program, preserve domestic capacity and encourage additional investment in US steel making and downstream manufacturing. AISI supports today’s announcement and stands ready to work with the Trump administration and other industry stakeholders to continue to develop effective solutions that secure a level playing field for American steelworkers and manufacturers,” he said.