Steel Tube Institute Backs Bipartisan Legislation to Curb Mexican Steel Imports

Organization says the long-awaited and requisite Stop Mexico's Steel Surge Act will protect American manufacturing jobs.

CHICAGO, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Steel Tube Institute (STI) – an organization that brings together key producers in the steel industry to advance the use of steel tubing – today declared its support of new legislation preventing illegal steel imports from Mexico into the United States. Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) introduced the Stop Mexico's Steel Surge Act to both the Senate and the House of Representatives on Tuesday, March 12 to protect American jobs from the effects of steel dumping that forces plant closures and costs Americans their jobs.

"The Steel Tube Institute commends Senators Cotton, Brown and their colleagues for taking these vital steps to protect American jobs and promote American-made steel," said Dale Crawford, executive director for STI. "Steel is the backbone of American manufacturing and its mills are committed to meeting the growing demand for steel and providing the high quality, safe and sustainable product our nation needs."

Steel demand has spiked in recent years because of federal legislation including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and the Creating Helpful Incentives for the Production of Semiconductors (CHIPS) Act. A shift toward electrification is expected to continue that trend, as renewable energy capacity expands worldwide.

The Stop Mexico's Steel Surge Act would reinstate a 25 percent Section 232 tariff on Mexican steel imports for at least one year or until Mexico demonstrates compliance and commitment as determined by the Secretary of Commerce and U.S. Trade Representative. It would also grant the president power to respond to major surges on certain goods with new quotas or tariff rate quotas.

The bill's co-sponsors include Senators John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Mike Braun (R-Indiana), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Bob Casey (D-Pennsylvania), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Rick Scott (R-Florida), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts). Representatives Rick Crawford (Arkansas-01) and Frank Mrvan (Indiana-01) are introducing accompanying legislation in the House.

To learn more about the Steel Tube Institute, its mission and vision, visit www.SteelTubeInstitute.org.

About Steel Tube Institute
The Steel Tube Institute was formed in 1930 when a group of manufacturers joined forces to promote and market steel tubing. Their goal was to mount a cooperative effort to improve manufacturing techniques and inform customers about their products' utility, versatility and competitive advantages. This, along with providing a forum for the discussion of issues impacting the industry, remains the focus of Steel Tube Institute's efforts. Learn more at www.SteelTubeInstitute.org and visit Steel Tube Institute on Linkedin. 

Media Contact:
Angela Stanley 
(919) 480-7937 
[email protected] 

SOURCE Steel Tube Institute