US Companies Urge Trump To Do What?

In a show of solidarity for American industry, CEOs from prominent U.S. steel companies sent a letter to President Donald Trump on Friday, urging him to resist granting any exemptions or exceptions to the steel tariffs set to take effect on March 12. The letter, signed by executives from industry giants like U.S. Steel, Cleveland-Cliffs, and Nucor, comes as part of a concerted push to safeguard the future of American steel manufacturing.

These CEOs praised the steel tariffs introduced by President Trump during his first term, noting that while the initial policy was a welcome step, later negotiations allowed too many exemptions, resulting in a rise in imports that diluted the impact of the tariffs. The letter warned that this weakened the U.S. steel industry and exposed it to a global oversupply crisis, further jeopardizing domestic production.

The executives stressed that President Trump’s February 10 proclamation, which reinstated a uniform 25 percent tariff on steel imports, was a strong and necessary response to protect the industry. They urged him to resist any further requests for exemptions and to stay firm in his commitment to American steel, emphasizing that doing so would not only revitalize the sector but also strengthen the nation’s security.

The move to impose a blanket tariff, which will affect countries like Argentina, Brazil, South Korea, and others, marks a shift from the previous administration’s approach, which offered exemptions to several major trading partners. The CEOs warned that these exemptions allowed foreign steel to flood the U.S. market, undermining the tariffs’ effectiveness.

Additionally, the administration is seeking to increase the 10 percent aluminum tariff to 25 percent, bringing both steel and aluminum imports under the same umbrella. While this has drawn criticism from global leaders like Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, the Trump administration remains committed to protecting American industry and ensuring fair trade practices.

The CEOs’ call to action underscores the importance of putting America first, ensuring that the steel industry is strong, resilient, and capable of facing future global challenges. By standing firm on these tariffs, President Trump can ensure a prosperous future for U.S. manufacturers and strengthen the nation’s economic security.