Thomas J. Gibson, president and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), applauded the executive memorandum signed by President Trump today which begins an investigation by the Department of Commerce into the implications of foreign steel imports on America’s national security, called a “Section 232” investigation.

“Times of crisis call for extraordinary measures. Massive global steel overcapacity has resulted in record levels of dumped and subsidized foreign steel coming into the U.S. and the loss of nearly 14,000 steel jobs. The Administration launching this investigation is an impactful way to help address the serious threat posed by these unfair foreign trade practices, and we applaud this bold action,“ Gibson said. “The domestic steel industry is the backbone of our manufacturing sector, and our continued ability to meet our national security needs is dependent on the industry remaining competitive in the global marketplace. We stand ready to work with the Administration on this initiative.”