The Steelmakers Association (SMA) and six other industry groups are urging the House of Representatives to include the Playing Field 2.0 Act in an upcoming legislative package aimed at countering unfair trade practices from China.

In a press release, the SMA emphasized the need for stronger protections to support American workers and industries, stating that the passage of this act would send a clear message to China regarding its trade behaviors.

The Playing Field 2.0 Act is designed to combat unfair imports and address cross-border subsidies, expediting investigations into violators who relocate production to evade trade laws. SMA President Philip Bell highlighted the bipartisan support for the act, which provides the U.S. government with necessary tools to enhance compliance with trade laws, particularly against the transshipment of subsidized steel products.

Kevin Dempsey, President and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), pointed out that global trade-distorting policies continue to result in dumped and subsidized steel imports that threaten U.S. steel producers. He noted that China is significantly subsidizing new steel capacity as part of its Belt and Road Initiative, which complicates U.S. efforts to counter subsidized steel from Southeast Asia.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated that Congress aims to deliver a legislative package addressing China to the White House by the end of the year. In July, U.S. steel associations also supported the introduction of the Prove It Act, which would require Congress to verify the carbon intensity of steel products from various sources.