In a recent speech at the headquarters of the United Steelworkers union in Pittsburgh, President Biden announced his plans to triple tariffs on imports of Chinese steel and aluminum. The move comes as Biden aims to support unions, bolster the steel sector, and gain the crucial support of Pennsylvania, a battleground state that could determine his reelection bid.

During his speech, Biden expressed his commitment to the steel industry, assuring union members, "Folks, you've had my back, and I promise I have your back." He highlighted the measures he has taken to support unions and emphasized his focus on using American products and workers for construction projects.

While Chinese steel imports account for less than 1% of U.S. demand, the Biden administration argues that Chinese subsidies and programs have caused steel prices to be 40% lower than those in the United States. Biden believes this unfair competition amounts to cheating and wants to prevent any potential surge of Chinese exports.

To address this issue, Biden has called upon U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to triple tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum under what is known as Section 301. Currently, the average tariffs for these imports stand at 7.5%. Biden aims to target these tariffs specifically, contrasting his approach with former President Donald Trump's broad tariff statements on imported goods from all countries. Biden believes that broad tariffs would raise costs and negatively impact U.S. consumers.

Additionally, Biden revealed that he had sent a team of officials to discuss the prevention of Chinese steel from entering the United States through Mexico. He recently engaged in talks with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to address this concern.

The United Steelworkers union endorsed Biden after he publicly voiced his opposition to the takeover deal between Japanese company Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel, a Pittsburgh-based company. Biden stressed that U.S. Steel should remain a wholly American company, operated by American union steelworkers.

As Biden faces pressure to address rising living costs, his targeted tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum imports aim to level the playing field and protect American industries. By prioritizing American-made products and workers, Biden hopes to strengthen the domestic economy and secure support from crucial voter segments.

The president's announcement marks a significant step towards advancing his economic and trade agenda, as he continues to navigate the complexities of international trade relations.