> Why did Bush impose steel tariffs? If economists had their say, he'd
> never have done that.
On 8/22/02 AP reported that 178 more exceptions were added to the list of those exempt from steel tariffs, bringing the total to 700. According the AP the Bush Admin. said this was the "seventh and final" addition, which will, however, be subject for review in January, 2003, when more "steel consumers" can ask for exemptions.
The NYT called the 178 new exemptions "the latest twist in President Bush's off-again-on-again commitment to free trade." The 700+ exemptions amount to 25% of all steel imports coming into the US that would otherwise merit a 7% to 30% tariff.
Some unions have now called the steel tariffs a "cottage cheese barrier" to steel imports.
Union officials and steel chieftains are singing much the same tune about it:
"The tariffs adopted last March gave a ray of hope," said USWA President Leo Gerard. "Now that goal is threatened. The administration cannot give with one hand while taking it away with another."
"We are disappointed by a number of the exclusions announced today," said Thomas J. Usher, the chairman and chief executive of United States Steel in Pittsburgh. "Unfortunately, pressure by foreign governments for unjustified exclusions from the Section 201 remedy has been very strong."
John H. Walker, chief executive of the Weirton Steel Corporation in West Virginia, said, "We are very, very disappointed."
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"And Mr. Block thinks he may / Be President some day." - Joe Hill, "Mr. Block"