The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) has welcomed the preliminary tariff agreement between the US and China. AISI President and CEO Kevin Dempsey praised the deal, announced on May 12, 2025, which includes temporary tax cuts, the removal of retaliatory measures, and the retention of key US tariffs on Chinese goods. Dempsey emphasized the deal’s importance for the US steel industry. 

The agreement preserves critical trade defenses as China’s steel exports remain high, reaching 118 million tons in 2024, despite weakening domestic demand. Meanwhile, China’s steel imports dropped nearly 80%. 

Dempsey also warned about China’s growing steel investments in Southeast Asia under the Belt and Road Initiative, urging close monitoring of its impact on global competition.

He stressed that maintaining Section 232 and 301 tariffs on Chinese steel is vital for US national and economic security.