National Security Strategy Document Airs Grievances About ‘Unfair’ Trade

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster):The “National Security Strategy” unveiled by President Donald Trump in December takes a protectionist stance on trade issues.

Trump released the strategy document – which, echoing a campaign theme, states that it “puts America first” – on Dec. 18. It includes multiple complaints about “unfair” trade practices by other nations, especially in the section titled, “Promote American Prosperity.”

“The­ United States distinguishes between economic competition with countries that follow fair and free market principles and competition with those that act with little regard for those principles,” the document states, adding, “The United States will pursue enforcement actions when countries violate the rules to gain unfair advantage. The United States will engage industrialized democracies and other likeminded states to defend against economic aggression, in all its forms, that threatens our common prosperity and security.”

Reuters reported that “a senior Trump administration official” linked the document to the Commerce Department’s Section 232 investigation of the national security impact of steel imports, saying, “The strategy highlights the importance of industrial strength, and that is also an element of the 232 analysis.”

“I think there will be enforcement actions by the U.S. that are related to the non-market challenge from China,” the official said. “The strategy recognizes that China is a rival and that puts into context that we need to take steps to protect American interests and American workers.”

 Courtesy: AIIS