Trade Groups Ask Senate Finance Committee to Include Current Section 232 Tariffs in Any Reform Bill

The steel and aluminum tariffs should end as part of any Section 232 reform, a coalition of metal consumers is arguing. The Coalition of American Manufacturers and Users, the American Association of Exporters and Importers, the National Foreign Trade Council and two other trade associations sent a letter Nov. 19 to the leaders of the Senate Finance Committee. They were reacting to a statement by Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, that any reform would not address the steel and aluminum tariffs (see 1911050043). “Reforming the 232 statute without allowing for an end to the current steel and aluminum tariffs would ensure that this harm continues with no end in sight," the groups said. Grassley and ranking member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., should "include a sunsetting provision that addresses current 232 tariffs in the mark that goes before the Senate Finance Committee to allow for a debate on these harmful tariffs and to ensure all stakeholders have a voice in the process."