The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), based in Washington, has outlined its primary policy priorities for 2025, emphasizing steel import reductions as one of the top issues. AISI has reached out to senior policymakers in the Trump administration and key members of Congress with a detailed plan aimed at addressing what it views as foreign unfair trade practices and bolstering U.S. steel manufacturing.

AISI’s recommendations include enhancing existing trade measures, introducing regulations to foster innovation, and implementing tax policies to promote investment in the industry. The Institute also advocates for a strong enforcement of antidumping and countervailing duty laws to protect the U.S. steel market from unfair practices, including currency manipulation and foreign subsidies.

Rising Steel Imports and Trade Concerns

AISI has raised concerns over the increasing volume of steel imports, with data from the U.S. Department of Commerce showing a 3.5% rise in finished steel imports and a 3.9% increase in semifinished steel imports in 2024. Total finished steel imports reached 29.1 million tons, while more than 22.5 million tons of semifinished steel were brought into the U.S. The December 2024 steel import permit applications were particularly high, surpassing 2.4 million tons—a 10.8% increase from November 2024, according to AISI.

This growing trend in steel imports, particularly towards the end of 2024, has prompted AISI members to call for urgent action to slow down the momentum, which they believe threatens the domestic steel industry. The AISI is advocating for stronger enforcement of the Section 232 steel tariff program, originally introduced by President Trump in 2018, to address these concerns and protect U.S. steel manufacturers from unfair competition.

AISI’s 2025 Vision for U.S. Steel Industry Growth

AISI President and CEO Kevin Dempsey has voiced support for President Trump’s stance on treating trade policy as crucial to national security. Dempsey highlighted that 2025 presents an opportunity for the new administration and Congress to address key issues that affect steel manufacturing. These include tackling foreign trade practices, ensuring the full enforcement of trade agreements, and fostering a regulatory environment conducive to innovation and investment in the U.S. steel sector.

As the industry looks ahead to 2025, AISI is pushing for policies that will help sustain the growth of the U.S. steel industry and protect the jobs it supports. By addressing challenges such as unfair trade practices and the rise of foreign subsidies, AISI aims to level the playing field for American manufacturers and secure the future of steel production in the U.S.