Press Releases

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced it was placing steel and aluminum tariffs on the European Union, Canada, and Mexico under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.

“While I understand the Administration’s goal of putting America first, I don’t believe this proposal achieves the desired outcome. Steel and aluminum imports from these countries do not pose a security risk to the United States. In fact, manufacturers across Michigan have particularly benefited from our strong economic ties to both Canada as well as EU Nations.

“On Tuesday, I heard first-hand from manufacturers in Grand Haven who shared how the soon-to-be enacted tariffs have already raised the cost of doing business. The existing contracts these suppliers, manufacturers, and small businesses signed are not able to be renegotiated which means the added costs will directly impact their operations and growth outlook. Any perceived short-term gain from these overly broad tariffs may be quickly blunted by hardworking men and women losing their jobs in West Michigan and communities where manufacturing plays a significant role in the local economy.

“I implore the Administration to reconsider this misguided proposal and at a minimum fix the exclusion process for those with existing contracts to prevent lasting negative impacts. If the goal is to address Chinese manufactured steel flooding the market, then our focus should be targeted on that issue, not our economic allies.”