Apple industry raises concerns about steel restrictions
The U.S. Apple Association and other agricultural groups have warned Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross that trade restrictions on steel imports could backfire on farm exports.
U.S. Apple president and CEO Jim Bair participated in a business coalition meeting with Ross on July 11, according to a news release, and raised apple industry concerns about potential steel import sanctions.
The letter from U.S. Apple and 17 other farm group leaders said they are concerned about the consequences of import restrictions under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Trump administration officials have suggested in recent weeks that President Trump might be prepared to enlarge the definition of national security in that legislation to include domestic steel production, which would lead to new tariffs on steel imports.
Ag leaders warned the move could result in retaliation by other countries against farm exports.
“If the Section 232 investigations on steel and aluminum result in new trade barriers, the aftermath could be disastrous for the global trading system and for U.S. agriculture in particular,” according to the letter.
