(WASHINGTON) – The following is a statement from Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa about a letter he sent to President Trump after it was announced Thursday afternoon that the U.S. would be placing tariffs on the importation of steel and aluminum from countries outside North America, with an exemption process in place for other nations.

“The Teamsters congratulated the President for putting in place a policy that will punish bad actors who have been dumping cheap steel and aluminum in the U.S. marketplace for years. However, the Teamsters believe that the tariff exemption for Canada should be permanent and not tied to ongoing NAFTA negotiations.

“The administration’s investigation into global steel and aluminum over-production proves what unions have been saying for some time, that our national security is at risk if the country’s manufacturing base continues to diminish. The Teamsters stand ready to work with the White House and with other North American unions to defend and to describe how implementation of these tariffs will protect American workers and our national well-being.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

 

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