Administration delays steel and aluminum imports investigation days after meeting with steelworkers.
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross told CNBC on Friday that delayed national investigations into steel and aluminum imports won’t be released until after Congress deals with tax reform.
The remarks come two days after Ross met with steelworkers who demanded action on open Section 232 investigations that determine whether foreign steel and aluminum imports threaten the domestic industry and America's ability to defend itself.
Said Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) President Scott Paul:
"By public affirming a delay in the Section 232 review and relief, the administration may be laying out a welcome mat for a surge in steel imports. This is a mistake.
"The review, initially promised by the end of June, is long overdue. American workers and factories continue to ride a rollercoaster of promises. Meanwhile, steel imports have gone up more than 21 percent since these investigations were first announced.
"I also question the rationale of the administration's strategy. A Republican Senator is going to oppose corporate tax relief because of a steel trade action? Unlikely. Good luck selling that to American factory workers.
"I had the honor and privilege of meeting with men and women who work in the steel industry across America this week. They work hard every day, and that's all they expect from their leaders in Washington as well. This excuse won't fly for them."