Abbott urges Trump to reconsider imported aluminium and steel tariffs

Governor Greg Abbott urged President Donald Trump in a letter on July 28, to reconsider tariffs on imported aluminium and steel, arguing that the metals are vital to the growth of Texas’ industries.

In the letter, Abbott mentioned Texas companies imported more than US$8.3 billion worth of aluminium and steel last year, largely for use by the oil and gas industry. Echoing earlier comments by industry groups opposed to the tariffs, Abbott said energy companies depend on specialty steel for which there is no manufacturer in the US.

"Our country's steel and aluminium workers are a vital part of the national workforce, and creating jobs in that industry must be a top priority," said the letter. "But attempting to protect these jobs through the new tariffs could jeopardize the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of Texans and other Americans employed in the oil and gas industry."

Trump imposed imported aluminium and steel tariffs on some of its allies like the European Union, Mexico, and Canada, to boost the domestic steel and aluminium industries. But critics expressed their worries about trade wars and other ripple effects.

Abbott, a vocal supporter of Trump, also pointed out the necessity of North American Free Trade Agreement in advancing the economy of Texas. But President repeatedly argued against it, saying that it unfairly benefits the US’ partners at its expense.