President Trump said U.S. steel and aluminum companies are being hurt by unfair trade and “bad policy,” ahead of a Thursday White House meeting with U.S. industry leaders that could result in policy steps aimed at helping them.
“Our Steel and Aluminum industries (and many others) have been decimated by decades of unfair trade and bad policy with countries from around the world. We must not let our country, companies and workers be taken advantage of any longer. We want free, fair and SMART TRADE!,” Trump tweeted.
Our Steel and Aluminum industries (and many others) have been decimated by decades of unfair trade and bad policy with countries from around the world. We must not let our country, companies and workers be taken advantage of any longer. We want free, fair and SMART TRADE!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 1, 2018
Thursday’s meeting could include a major trade announcement, two sources familiar with the meeting told Reuters.
Top Trump aides are also set to meet Thursday at the White House with a senior envoy of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump has said imports from China are a big part of the problem facing U.S. companies.
The Alliance for American Manufacturing, comprised of multiple steel manufacturers, released an ad Tuesday calling on Trump to keep his promise to restrict steel imports.
“President Trump, America’s workers are counting on you to protect our jobs and to defend our national security. It’s time to keep the promise and protect American steel,” the ad said.
The U.S. Commerce Department recommended on Feb. 16 that Trump impose stiff tariffs on steel imports from China and other countries.
