US Trade Barriers on Aluminium and Steel

According to media reports United States President Donald Trump signed proclamations granting a select number of countries exemptions until June 1. These countries include the European Union, Mexico, South Korea, Australia and Argentina among others. The US is imposing a 10% ad valorem tariff on imports for aluminium products and 25% ad valorem tariff on imports for steel. Furthermore SA Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies made submissions to US delegates on the matter but fell on deaf ears.To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by: • Prof Fiona Tregenna who is South African research chair in Industrial Development and professor in the department of economics and econometrics at University of Johannesburg • Lumkile Mondi is a senior lecturer at the Wits school of economics and business science • Sizwe Pamla is the national spokesperson of the congress of south African trade unions COSATU