US steel associations reacted today to the US Senate confirmation of Wilbur Ross as Secretary of Commerce by a vote of 72 to 27.
Thomas J. Gibson, president and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute, noted that Ross has a “clear focus” on the challenges the US steel industry faces, and said his “intent to use all of the tools at his disposal to ensure a level playing field” is “great news” for the domestic steel industry.
“[Ross] has keen knowledge about the global overcapacity in steel, fueled by foreign government subsidies and other trade-distorting policies and repeated surges in unfairly traded imports,” Gibson said in a statement. “His experience as a businessman involved with a number of manufacturing industries facing similar unfair import competition gives him the first-hand knowledge of the critical issues impacting steel and other industries. He will be an exceptional Secretary of Commerce and we look forward to working with him.”
The Steel Manufacturers Association also issued a statement, with President Philip K. Bell stating that the SMA is “pleased” that Ross was confirmed with bipartisan support.
“Mr. Ross has an extensive knowledge of steel issues, having been directly involved in numerous transactions that helped consolidate and improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the domestic steel industry,” Bell said. “He is an excellent choice to lead the Department of Commerce, which has a critical role to play in enforcing our nation’s trade laws, including full implementation of legislation passed during the 114th Congress. Proper implementation of these measures should significantly impact pending trade cases and efforts to address the continuing flow of unfairly traded steel imports. Additionally, Mr. Ross is uniquely qualified to work with Congress and other stakeholders to advance a long-term, well-funded infrastructure investment program. This investment would stimulate steel demand and help to jump start our economy.”