Shenango Valley News

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) called on U.S. Trade Ambassador Katherine Tai and the Biden Administration to defend domestic steel production amid a surge of foreign steel imports from countries including China and Mexico. Kelly emphasized the importance of protecting domestic Grain Oriented Electrical Steel (GOES) production, particularly referencing the last domestic GOES producer located in his district at Cleveland-Cliffs Butler Works in Butler, Pennsylvania.

During a Ways & Means Committee hearing, Rep. Kelly expressed concern over the impact of unfair trade practices on the American economy, stating, "For the last year, the Biden Administration had been picking winners and losers in the steel industry – and shut down this facility – which would be bad for our national security, our economic security, and our steelworkers in Western Pennsylvania." He added, "Our trade agenda must deter unfair trade practices by foreign nations and ensure resilience and strength in the American economy."

Rep. Kelly's efforts to protect domestic steel production also extended to addressing a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) rule that threatened jobs at the Cleveland-Cliffs Butler Works plant. He successfully led an effort to change the rule, which required a transition away from GOES to Amorphous Steel, a majority of which is produced overseas.

The hearing also raised concerns about the Biden Administration's trade agenda and its impact on American workers, farmers, and manufacturers. Members of the committee highlighted the challenges posed by China's aggressive trade tactics, which have been detrimental to American companies and consumers.

In relation to steel imports, the article mentioned that the U.S. can reimpose tariffs on Mexico if imports surge in violation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. It was noted that Mexico has failed to limit its steel imports to agreed-upon levels, leading to a substantial increase in exports to the U.S. and circumvention tactics that exploit favorable tariff treatment.

Overall, Rep. Kelly's call to protect domestic steel production and address unfair trade practices resonates with ongoing efforts to safeguard American industries and workers in the face of global economic challenges.