USW: Tariffs Must be Paired with Wider Trade Policy Reform

Contact: Jess Kamm Broomell, jkamm@usw.org, 412-562-2444

(Pittsburgh) – United Steelworkers (USW) International President David McCall issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s announcement that his administration will implement a wide array of tariffs:

“Our union has been fighting on the front lines for fair trade for decades as flawed trade agreements and other policies robbed workers of their jobs and deprived our nation of critical capabilities across key sectors.  

“Used strategically, tariffs are a crucial means of reining in bad actors who view access to the U.S. market as a right, not a privilege. Today’s announcement helps send the message to our trading partners that they must earn that right.

“Tariffs, however, are only one of the many tools we need to promote fair trade and reverse course on outsourcing and offshoring jobs.

“First and foremost, we must ensure our trade policy targets cheaters rather than trusted economic allies like Canada. We should be working to build relationships – not barriers – with partners who have proven their commitment to joining us in tackling global overcapacity.

“Tariffs must also be paired with policies that will increase domestic production and jobs, like strategic investments, strong procurement standards, and labor laws that boost workers’ access to labor unions. The administration must also take steps to prevent companies from using tariffs as an excuse to price-gouge consumers.

“We welcome the administration’s commitment to fair trade and encourage President Trump to consider a broader strategy that will level the playing field and promote widespread economic growth.”

The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations.

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