AISI Sets 2025 Priorities for Strengthening US Steel Industry

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) has laid out a strategic plan for the US steel industry in 2025, addressing key policy challenges and proposing priorities to enhance competitiveness, innovation, and investment. In a letter to the Trump administration and Congress, AISI called for immediate attention to several critical areas impacting steel production.

AISI President and CEO Kevin Dempsey highlighted 2025 as a crucial year to reassess the current landscape of steel production in the US and ensure the industry’s growth and global competitiveness. The organization identified three primary groups of priorities for the year:

1. Strengthening Trade Measures: AISI emphasized the need to bolster existing trade measures to combat unfair trade practices, particularly the impact of global overcapacity, which reached 573 million tons in 2024. The organization noted that unfair trade practices, including subsidies and dumping, especially by countries like China, continue to harm the US steel market.
2. Promoting Innovation Through Regulation: AISI called for common-sense regulations that support innovation while balancing environmental protection. The organization urged a review and revision of certain U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations to foster advancements in steel production technology and sustainability.
3. Implementing Supportive Tax Policies: AISI urged for tax policies that incentivize new investments and innovation in the US steel industry. This includes supporting sustainable practices and ensuring that the US remains competitive on the global stage.

AISI pointed out the continuing issue of global steel overcapacity, which contributes to rising dumped and subsidized imports flooding the US market. Although Section 232 tariffs and anti-dumping measures have helped mitigate some of this impact, AISI proposed improvements to combat importers’ abuse of the waiver process. The organization also suggested updates to the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and additional measures to strengthen Section 301 actions.

As part of their comprehensive plan, AISI also highlighted the importance of policy measures such as the Leveling the Playing Field 2.0 Act, which would help address the persistent issues of unfair competition from foreign producers. The Institute continues to support trade policies that prioritize American steelmakers, fostering a more robust and competitive industry.