U.S. statement on working with Japan to address global steel and aluminum excess capacity

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo and United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai today announced the start of consultations with Japan to address global steel and aluminum excess capacity, take effective measures to ensure the long-term viability of our steel and aluminum industries, and find solutions to strengthen our democratic alliance.

Secretary Raimondo and Ambassador Tai reiterated concerns about the impact on U.S. industries stemming from global non-market excess capacity driven largely by China.  The distortions that result from this excess capacity pose a serious threat to the market-oriented U.S. steel and aluminum industries and the workers in those industries.  The United States and Japan have a historic alliance, built on mutual trust and respect, and reflecting shared values and a strong commitment to resolving global challenges through closer cooperation. The two countries accordingly share similar national security interests as democratic, market economies. These consultations present an opportunity to promote high standards, address shared concerns, including climate change, and hold countries like China that support trade-distorting non-market policies and practices to account.

The United States and Japan will seek to resolve bilateral concerns in this area, including the application of Section 232 measures, trade flows, and the sufficiency of actions that address steel and aluminum excess capacity with the aim of taking mutually beneficial and effective actions to restore market-oriented conditions and preserve our critical industries.