On June 24, members of the AWPA Executive Leadership Team traveled to Washington, DC to meet with key policymakers and advocate for the U.S. steel wire and wire products industry. Over the course of the day, the delegation met with Members of Congress, officials from the White House Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy, and representatives from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).
These high-level meetings came at a critical time, as the administration and Congress continue to shape trade enforcement policies that directly impact our industry. The timing was strategic and sets the stage for continued momentum at the upcoming AWPA Government Affairs Conference in September.
A Clear Message: Think of AWPA When You Think of Steel
During each meeting, the AWPA delivered a consistent and powerful message: when policymakers talk about steel, they must include the steel wire and wire products industry. For many AWPA members, the output is not just made from steel — it is steel. Our products are vital to the American manufacturing landscape, and our industry must be considered in any conversation about trade, tariffs, or industrial policy.
Top Priorities on the Agenda:
- Section 232 Tariffs on Derivative Products: AWPA advocated for full-value tariff application on wire and wire products to ensure a level playing field and discourage evasion.
- Monitoring and Enforcement: AWPA called for expanding the Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis (SIMA) system to include downstream wire products under Chapter 73 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
- Support for Trade Enforcement Legislation: The team expressed support for bipartisan legislation to strengthen U.S. trade laws and crack down on customs fraud, transshipment, and country-hopping.
- China’s Continued Evasion: The delegation raised serious concerns about China’s evolving tactics to circumvent trade rules and emphasized the need for broader remedies that address not just basic steel inputs but also downstream products.
Unified, Proactive, and Appreciated
Throughout the day, policymakers welcomed AWPA’s input and appreciated our proactive, solution-oriented approach. It was clear that hearing directly from business leaders in our industry made a significant impact.
In addition, AWPA shared that our suppliers are aligned in our advocacy efforts, reinforcing the message that this is a united industry working to support American manufacturing, protect jobs, and promote fair trade.
Looking Ahead
This visit was an important step in continuing to build strong, lasting relationships with decision-makers in Washington. It also ensures that the unique needs of the wire and wire products industry remain top of mind in ongoing policy discussions.
AWPA is committed to representing its members with a strong, informed voice in Washington. We look forward to continuing this work and building on this momentum at the AWPA Government Affairs Conference this September.
