Another American Group Considers Lobbying Against Steel Tariffs


Steel for Plastic Injection mold molding industry

In a recent meeting called by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), members of the Consuming Industries Trade Action Coalition (CITAC) Steel Task Force voiced their concerns about the severe impact of the Section 201 steel tariffs across manufacturing sectors, and to urge NAM to take a position on the steel issue. The tariffs on imports of certain steel products were imposed by President Bush on March 20, 2002, under Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974.

NAM is an important association of manufacturers in the United States and had previously taken a neutral position on the issue of the 201 steel tariffs. However, following numerous requests from NAM members who are suffering from the impact of the tariffs, NAM’s Trade and Technology Policy Group issued a resolution in October that offered a process to reconsider its “hands-off” position on the steel tariffs, and “develop a policy position on steel trade that is appropriate for all constituencies.”

Plastic Mold Company need good quality steel

Manufacturers from the auto parts, stamping, appliance, plastic, lawn furniture, and fastener industry (which includes the aerospace, military and home goods industries), presented evidence at the meeting that the tariffs are causing damage to the U.S. economy.

NAM policy, developed in 1998, directs that the association not take a position on specific U.S. tariffs or import problems unless there are “overriding considerations of general importance to American industry.” NAM has agreed to discuss whether “overriding considerations” are present in the case of steel.

The policy committee will develop a recommendation for consideration by the Board of Directors. Another meeting will be held in December and NAM is expected to announce a decision shortly thereafter.

Erowa Holder Systems

Erowa Technology Inc.recently consolidated a sister company, AMTEC, into its general operations structure. AMTEC specializes in custom fixtures, engineering solutions, and the manufacture of Erowa standard products. Erowa will continue to provide these engineered solutions under the Erowa Technology Inc. name. AMTEC was founded in 1994 as a provider of custom turnkey workholding systems.

“For all practical purposes, Erowa and AMTEC have operated as one organization for some time, including the sharing of a facility,” explains Skip Thompson, president of Erowa Technology. “As we re-examined our own internal operations, we determined that bringing the two companies together would help streamline both manufacturing and sales efforts.”

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