This week, Energy Workforce submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Commerce in response to its proposed procedures for the “Adoption and Procedures of the Section 232 Steel and Aluminum Tariff Inclusions Process.”
In its comments, Energy Workforce requests that the Administration not include additional critical energy components or derivative steel and aluminum products—whether finished or semi-finished—under Section 232 tariffs.
When the Trump Administration raised duty rates on steel and aluminum in February, the proclamations also directed the Secretary of Commerce to establish a process for including additional articles. In response, Energy Workforce respectfully requests the following:
- An extended public comment period
- The opportunity for public hearings
- Clear, transparent criteria for inclusion
- A process for removing derivative product designations
The energy services and equipment sector plays a vital role in achieving the President’s stated goal of increasing U.S. oil production by 3 million barrels per day. Any additional tariffs would significantly raise the cost of producing oil and gas domestically.
A copy of the comments can be viewed here.
In parallel, the association’s International Trade Committee launched a Tariff Taskforce in December. The group meets weekly to share intelligence, coordinate best practices, and support the association’s advocacy efforts on trade and tariff policy.
If you would like to join the International Trade or Government Affairs Committee, please contact Maria Suarez-Simmons.
Maria Suarez-Simmons, Senior Director Energy Policy, writes about industry-specific policies for the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.
