US metal manufacturers and users ask for tariff removal – appeals go unheard

They asked for tariff removal, but their appeal went unheard. We are referring to the host of US end users of metal products, represented by associations including the Industrial Fasteners Institute, the Precision Metalforming Association and the American Wire Producers Association, who have united under the aegis of the Coalition of American Metal Manufacturers and Users, to fight the notorious Trump tariffs on steel and aluminum.

The letter was drafted, signed and sent on November 19 to Robert E. Lighthizer, the Office of the US Trade Representative, ahead of the initialling of the new USMCA agreement, the trade deal replacing the old NAFTA. It was a heartfelt request in an effort to sensitize the establishment to the impact of these tariffs on the American economy and global economy as a whole. “Tariffs are taxes” - they claim - and they considerably affect the relationships with the most important trading partners, namely Mexico and Canada, and the subsequent cost increase of raw materials has already caused significant damage to American manufacturers, consumers and workers. They also stated that the tariffs represent a threat to global stability, as they prompt escalating retaliations from allies and trading partners.

Their voice has fallen on deaf ears, as on November 30 the US proceeded to sign the new agreement with Mexico and Canada, but the section 232 about tariff protections was notably absent, which means that the tariffs are still in place for the moment.

The agreement is signed, but the official ratification of the USMCA is still pending by the three governments of USA, Canada and Mexico.

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