The U.S. government announced adjustments to the import tariffs on steel and aluminum on the evening of February 10 (Eastern Time), reinstating the Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum for previously exempted trading partners and further increasing the import tariffs on aluminum products.

Steel is a fundamental material for industrial development. Trade protectionism in the steel sector not only harms the interests of other countries but also undermines those of the United States itself. By artificially inflating steel prices, the U.S. has raised costs for downstream manufacturing industries and complicated efforts to address domestic inflation.

Moreover, the U.S. actions violate multilateral trade rules and WTO rulings. They severely undermine the rule-based multilateral trading system and pose significant risks to the stability of the global supply chain.

The China Iron and Steel Association (CISA) firmly opposes such unilateral and protectionist measures. We believe that steel trade should return to the framework of the multilateral trading system, where disputes and concerns can be resolved through equal and constructive consultations.

CISA also hopes to enhance exchanges and dialogue with the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) to increase mutual understanding and trust.