Metals Companies Increase US Lobbying Spend

The largest expenses were Nucor - $ 2.23 million, ArcelorMittal - $ 1.47 million and US Steel - $ 830 thousand.

Metals companies sharply increased their federal lobbying spending last year to $ 12.18 million, up 20 percent from 2017 and 48 percent from 2016, according to the Center for Responsive Policy.

The largest investors were Nucor for $ 2.23 million, ArcelorMittal for $ 1.47 million and US Steel for $ 830,000.

The increase in government relations by steel producers came amid the Trump administration's policy of 25 percent tariff on steel imports in the name of national security. The charges have sparked backlash and some so far unsuccessful efforts in Congress and courts to block tariffs.

“Our challenge is to keep up the good work,” said American Iron and Steel Institute president Tom Gibson of tariffs, according to The Wall Street Journal. The institute spent $ 552,980 on lobbying in 2018.

Tariffs have greatly increased the fortunes of steel companies in the United States. Nucor's net income increased from $ 1.32 million in 2017 to $ 2.31 million in 2018, while US Steel's net income increased from $ 387,000 in 2017 to $ 1.12 million in 2018, according to financial statements.