AISI calls on the US administration to designate steel as a major industry

The American Iron and Steel Institute has called on the Trump administration to identify the steel sector and its workers as “essential” in developing and enforcing on-site orders and other directives in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a letter to Pence VP, Thomas J. Gibson, President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “As the Secretary of Commerce identified in 2018, steel is important to national security far beyond the obvious defense applications, including critical infrastructure and transportation, electricity and energy. ... generation systems as well as water supply systems. Without access to a reliable source of steel production during this crisis, our national and economic security will be severely compromised. We appreciate the administration's efforts to limit the spread and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Because many state and local businesses have ordered businesses across the country to restrict or cease operations in recent days, some states have specifically ruled out industrial production as "substantial." We urge the Trump administration to provide consistent nationwide leadership by formally recognizing critical manufacturing sectors that are essential to our nation's critical infrastructure and responding to COVID-19. I urge the administration to identify the steel sector and its workers as essential in developing and enforcing field orders and other directives. ”

“We urge the Trump administration to provide consistent nationwide leadership by formally recognizing critical manufacturing sectors that are needed for our nation's critical infrastructure and responding to COVID-19. I urge the administration to identify the steel sector and its workers as essential in developing and enforcing field orders and other directives. ” “We urge the Trump administration to provide consistent nationwide leadership by formally recognizing critical manufacturing sectors that are needed for our nation's critical infrastructure and responding to COVID-19. I urge the administration to identify the steel sector and its workers as essential in developing and enforcing field orders and other directives. ”

Gibson noted that during the pandemic, AISI member companies comply with federal, state and local directives and take all necessary precautions to protect the health of employees, customers, contractors and communities.