Equipment makers: Trump should back away from tariffs; create manufacturing jobs – not risk them

The equipment manufacturing industry “is profoundly disappointed at President Trump’s actions” on Thursday to advance import tariffs on steel and aluminum, says Dennis Slater, president of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.

Trump initially exempted Canada and Mexico from the import tariffs, which are take effect in two weeks. He cited “national security” in two proclamations that he signed March 8.

“This relief will help our domestic steel industry to revive idled facilities, open closed mills, preserve necessary skills by hiring new steel workers, and maintain or increase production, which will reduce our nation’s need to rely on foreign producers for steel and ensure that domestic producers can continue to supply all the steel necessary for critical industries and national defense,” Trump says.

“Under current circumstances, this tariff is necessary and appropriate to address the threat that imports of steel articles pose to the national security.”

Slater reacted in a written statement: