US imposed steel tariffs labelled as ‘protectionism’

Effective from midnight last night (1st June) the US has imposed a 25% tax on steel and 10% tax on aluminium from the EU, Mexico and Canada.

The move immediately triggered vows of retaliation from Mexico, Canada and the EU, which called the tariffs "protectionism, pure and simple".

Commenting on the confirmation the tariffs, UK steel director, Gareth Stace said: “President Trump had already loaded the gun and we now know that the US Administration has unfortunately fired it and potentially started a damaging trade war.

“Since President Trump stated his plans to impose blanket tariffs on steel imports almost three months ago, the UK steel sector had hoped for the best, but still feared the worst. With the expiration of the EU exemption now confirmed effective from 1st June, unfortunately our pessimism was justified and we will now see damage not only to the UK steel sector, but also the US economy.

“Throughout, we have urged the UK and EU authorities to do all they practically can to steer us away from this outcome, showing President Trump that we are not the problem here. But it is evident that even with the extra time provided by the temporary exemptions, common ground has not yet been found and plain common sense has not prevailed. Any US calls for the EU to voluntarily place hard limits on its exports of steel were completely unjustified, against WTO rules and run counter to central tenets of free trade. It is only right that have been rebuffed by European Commissioner, Cecilia Malmström.”

European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said the move was: “totally unacceptable" and went on to say: “The EU has no choice but to bring a case before the World Trade Organization and impose duties on US imports.”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stated that Canada plans to levy tariffs on American products worth about $13 billion starting 1st July. It is also planning a challenge at the World Trade Organization.

Gareth Stace added: “It is difficult to see what good can come of these tariffs. US steel consumers are already reporting price increases and supply chain disruption and with some half a billion dollars of steel exported from the UK to US last year, UK steel producers are going to be hit hard. As stated time and time again, the only sustainable solution to the root cause of the issue, global overcapacity in steel production, is multilateral discussions and action through established international channels.

“Even with the imposition of tariffs, it is vital that the EU and US continue discussions to find a way through the current impasse and reach an agreement that works for all parties. At the same time, it is only correct that the EU forges ahead with safeguard action, to shield against diverted trade swamping the European market, as well as its challenge to the US tariffs through the WTO.

“This is a bad day for the steel sector, for international relations and for free trade.”

UK Steel https://www.eef.org.uk/uk-steel

 

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