Washington, March 19, 2018 -The US Commerce Department said Monday it will begin accepting requests Monday to exempt certain products from President Donald Trump's steep new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.
The effort is designed to soften the expected impact on prices from the import duties, which Trump imposed earlier this month over the objections of industry, retailers, key members of his administration and major trading partners.
Trade groups have maintained their campaign to dissuade Trump from pressing ahead, arguing the tariffs would expose American companies to "a chain reaction of negative consequences."
The administration has announced initial exemptions for major suppliers including Canada and Mexico.
"These procedures will allow the administration to further hone these tariffs to ensure they protect our national security while also minimizing undue impact on downstream American industries," Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement Sunday
Officials will consider whether the requested exemptions are for goods manufactured in the United States in sufficient quantity and quality before deciding on any tariff exemption, the department said.
But any US individual or organization may object to the exemption setting up a battle between domestic steel and aluminum producers that could benefit from the protective tariffs and companies that rely on imports.
The effort is designed to soften the expected impact on prices from the import duties, which Trump imposed earlier this month over the objections of industry, retailers, key members of his administration and major trading partners.
Trade groups have maintained their campaign to dissuade Trump from pressing ahead, arguing the tariffs would expose American companies to "a chain reaction of negative consequences."
The administration has announced initial exemptions for major suppliers including Canada and Mexico.
"These procedures will allow the administration to further hone these tariffs to ensure they protect our national security while also minimizing undue impact on downstream American industries," Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement Sunday
Officials will consider whether the requested exemptions are for goods manufactured in the United States in sufficient quantity and quality before deciding on any tariff exemption, the department said.
But any US individual or organization may object to the exemption setting up a battle between domestic steel and aluminum producers that could benefit from the protective tariffs and companies that rely on imports.