Five major US steel industry organizations have jointly urged President Donald Trump to uphold Section 232 steel tariffs and resist exemptions during trade negotiations. 

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA), Committee on Pipe and Tube Imports (CPTI), Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA), and American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) praised the administration’s recent move to raise tariffs to 50% but warned against granting waivers to foreign nations.

The groups argued that global steel overcapacity persists, with US industry utilization still below the 80% target set in the 2018 Section 232 report. They cited foreign subsidies and unfair trade practices as key drivers of excess production. Countries like Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Indonesia have sought tariff exemptions but have not addressed overcapacity domestically.

The letter stressed that trade talks should prioritize reducing the US trade deficit and expanding market access without weakening steel tariffs, which are deemed vital for national and economic security. The industry insists on maintaining the tariffs to protect domestic producers.