AFP, Washington :
President Donald Trump on Thursday invoked national security to order a probe into US steel imports-a move that risks trade blowback from steel-making giant China.
“Steel is critical to both our economy and our military. This is not an area where we can afford to become dependent on foreign countries,” he said after signing a memorandum ordering the Commerce Department to launch the investigation.
Trump has often accused foreign producers of dumping steel on the US market, threatening American jobs and companies. Under his “America First” policy, he wants to prioritize domestic manufacturing.
His administration in February already announced stiff duties on certain steel imports, creating an outcry from China, Germany and other countries affected.
“Dumping is a tremendous problem in this country,” Trump said on Thursday.
President Donald Trump on Thursday invoked national security to order a probe into US steel imports-a move that risks trade blowback from steel-making giant China.
“Steel is critical to both our economy and our military. This is not an area where we can afford to become dependent on foreign countries,” he said after signing a memorandum ordering the Commerce Department to launch the investigation.
Trump has often accused foreign producers of dumping steel on the US market, threatening American jobs and companies. Under his “America First” policy, he wants to prioritize domestic manufacturing.
His administration in February already announced stiff duties on certain steel imports, creating an outcry from China, Germany and other countries affected.
“Dumping is a tremendous problem in this country,” Trump said on Thursday.
