Biden wants to increase tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum
President Joe Biden made a significant announcement at the U.S. Steelworkers headquarters in Pittsburgh, unveiling plans to potentially triple tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum imports to protect American workers in the steel and aluminum industry.
Expressing his gratitude to the swing state of Pennsylvania for their support in the recent elections, President Biden emphasized his commitment to reciprocate the trust placed in him. Addressing the crowd of union workers, the president stated, “You’ve had my back, and I promise I have your back.”
Highlighting the vital role of the American steel industry, President Biden reiterated his support for the middle class and unions, emphasizing that they are the foundation of the nation’s prosperity. He affirmed, “The backbone of America has a steel spine, and unions are the ones who built the middle class.”
In a bid to combat what the White House views as “unfair competition” from Chinese imports, President Biden revealed his intention to urge U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to consider tripling tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum if anti-competitive practices are detected. The White House pointed out that Chinese products often undercut U.S. offerings through artificially low prices and higher emissions.
President Biden also criticized former President Donald Trump, playfully referring to him as “my predecessor” and drawing laughter from the audience. He contrasted his strategic and targeted actions with what he perceived as a broader tariff approach advocated by his predecessor and certain Republican factions, suggesting that such measures could harm American consumers.
The president’s announcement comes in the midst of the proposed sale of U.S. Steel to Japanese-owned Nippon Steel, a move that President Biden vehemently opposes. He reassured the public that U.S. Steel would remain an American company under his administration.
As President Biden continues his tour across Pennsylvania, his campaign is launching an ad campaign to underscore his pro-labor policies. With the state being a key battleground in the upcoming elections, both the Trump and Biden camps are closely vying for support.
Reflecting on the competing visions for the nation’s economy, President Biden contrasted “Scranton values” with “Mar-a-Lago values,” invoking Trump’s luxury resort in Florida. This juxtaposition, he suggested, encapsulates the core principles at stake in the election.
Despite potential tensions with China over the proposed tariffs, President Biden remains steadfast in his commitment to safeguard American workers and foster fair competition. As the political landscape continues to evolve, his actions reflect a dedication to upholding the interests of the American people.
