Warren steel company says future is uncertain with Trump's tariffs

WARREN A union leader representing Thomas Steel Strip in Warren has penned a letter to President Donald Trump stating the future of the company is uncertain under his current trade agreement with Europe.

Under the United States' (U.S.) current trade agreement with the European Union (EU), imported steel faces a 50% tariff threshold with no exclusion for Battery Quality Hot Rolled (BQHR) steel.

BQHR steel is a nickel-plated steel strip used in products like alkaline batteries to electric vehicle components and automotive fuel lines.

Mark Murray, who represents United Steelworkers District 1, says the lack of exclusion for BQHR steel under these tariffs puts Thomas Steel Strip at risk.

"Without relief in the form of an exclusion or quota that reflects the unique need for BQHR steel, Thomas Steel Strip will not remain competitive. Compliance costs will drive prices beyond what customers can bear. That means jobs lost in Warren and families hurt across the region," Murray wrote.

Murray went on to say this is about more than just one plant and its workers, but the economy of the Mahoning Valley as a whole.

"There have been record levels of investment in the region with the likes of Ultium Cells and the two power plants in Lordstown. That trend continues with Amazon, Kimberly-Clark and Foxconn leading the way in distribution and advanced, high-tech manufacturing. Our populaton is trending younger, incomes are rising and for the first time in a long time, people are looking at Warren and the region as the preferred place to live, learn work and play," Murray wrote.

Murray says preserving plants like Thomas Steel Strip is essential to protecting American industrial jobs.

"The reality is simple: no U.S. producer can supply the grade of steel Thomas Steel Strip needs and without a clear path for imports, the company's future is at risk," Murray wrote.

Murray concluded the letter by urging folks to call their U.S. Representative and Senators to demand an exclusion for BQHR steel, or the creation of quota-based systems.

Thomas Steel Strip has been in Warren for over 100 years and 170 United Steelworkers union members are currently employed there.