WASHINGTON — SMA President Philip K. Bell issued the following statement today:

“The Steel Manufacturers Association applauds President Trump for putting the American steel industry and its workers first by imposing a 25 percent tariff on all steel imports. President Trump understands that America’s steel industry is the backbone of our economy. A thriving domestic steel industry is critical to U.S. national, energy and economic security.

“The steel industry in America faces serious threats from foreign actors that seek to destroy domestic production. China and other countries routinely violate trade laws and dump heavily subsidized steel products into the United States at the expense of American workers. By imposing a 25 percent tariff on steel imports, President Trump is leveling the playing field for American manufacturers and workers and helping America defeat direct threats to our jobs.

“In our recently released five-point plan, we highlighted expanding and strengthening the section 232 tariffs on steel imports as the most effective way to support the steel industry. Tariffs are a powerful tool to fight against unfair trade and state-sponsored overcapacity around the world and compel other nations to take a serious approach to fair trade. Today’s actions are a critical component of the president’s plan to restore American manufacturing and strengthen our national security. Embracing pro-growth tax policies, fighting unfair trade and comprehensive regulatory reform will fuel an economic renaissance.

“This decisive action sends a clear message to the world: the United States will not tolerate unfair trade practices that harm American workers and industries.”