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Tariffs and Trade – Is This the “New Normal”?
The landscape of international trade is growing increasingly complex. The impacts of Sections 232 and 301 tariffs are being felt widely in the manufacturing sector and the economy. In addition, other trade actions and retaliatory tariffs from trading partners are complicating things further. Navigating this terrain is feeling more and more like walking through a minefield. How can the Steel Wire Industry navigate this constantly changing environment?
At this year’s meeting you will hear from experts on international trade with the latest information regarding the current status of tariffs, and the progress of passage of the US, Mexico, Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Come to Washington, DC this September to discuss the state of affairs with industry colleagues, and to speak to lawmakers to advocate for your company and for domestic steel wire manufacturing. There may never be a more important time to speak to your legislators about your industry’s issues. The AWPA will provide the tools, but YOU are the best ambassador for your company and your employees. Join North American wire producers in DC this September and make your voice heard.
Program Information
Committee & Board Meetings
Committee meetings will be held Tuesday, September 10th and Thursday, September 12th. The Executive Committee meeting, the Membership Committee meeting, and the Stainless, PC Strand and Rope Product Committee meetings will be held Tuesday afternoon. The Board of Directors meeting will take place on Thursday morning. Please check the Schedule of Events for specific times.
Receptions
Tuesday evening will provide time dedicated to meeting old friends and checking in with your knowledgeable industry colleagues. The Opening Reception gives attendees an opportunity to mix and mingle and begin discussing the issues on your personal agenda and AWPA’s government affairs agenda. Wednesday evening is another opportunity to check in with colleagues and suppliers and talk about your Congressional Visits and the information provided by speakers during the General Session on Wednesday
General Session Program
Trade Wars: Heating Up or Cooling Down? Tariffs and Global Trade
Section 232 steel tariffs have been in force for over a year – Mexico and Canada have now been excluded – but otherwise there is no termination date for global steel tariffs. What does the data look like for wire products imports? Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods have escalated as talks have broken down, increasing tariffs on wire products from 10% to 25%; has it helped cool Chinese wire products imports?
Immigration, Infrastructure and Passage of the USMCA
A divided Congress and an Administration going all-in on Executive powers has given the US a rollercoaster ride of policy and legislation. In June the Trump Administration threatened to implement escalating tariffs on all goods from Mexico as leverage in the ongoing immigration problems at the southern border, throwing another wrench in the process of passage of the new USMCA. Where will things go from here? Is there any space for an infrastructure bill? Will immigration be addressed in legislation?
Wire & Wire Products Caucus Briefing & Lunch and Congressional Visits
Given the current state of affairs for our industry, there may never be a more important moment to speak up with your legislators. AWPA encourages all members to participate in the Caucus Briefing and Congressional Visits. The Caucus Briefing and Congressional Visits keep both AWPA members and our Congressional Representatives up-to-date on the current issues facing the steel wire industry. In order to have an impact, members must educate their legislators about the industry and important issues and encourage them to influence government policy on your behalf. Your participation is vital to ensure the level of turnout that will make an impression on your legislators. With the current challenges facing the industry, the information you will provide is more essential than ever. Wednesday afternoon begins on Capitol Hill with a lunch and Wire Caucus briefing and Congressional Visits will take place in the afternoon.
Congressional Visits Debriefing Breakfast
On Thursday morning we will gather for breakfast and discuss the results of our congressional visits from Wednesday. Bring your scorecards and let your fellow AWPA members know who you met with, and how they responded. Sharing this information is the important next step in our advocacy efforts – AWPA will use this information to focus efforts where they can make the most impact and will provide follow-up information to Representatives and Senators after your meetings.
Meeting Fees:
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Registration Fees: |
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| Name | Price | Available To |
| Earlybird Registration | $530.00 | Everyone |
| Regular Registration | $630.00 | Everyone |
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