In Detroit tomorrow, U.S. and Canadian officials are expected to announce an agreement on the construction of a new bridge spanning the Detroit River that is intended to ease congestion and facilitate trade between the two countries.
The source of steel for the construction of the proposed “New International Trade Crossing” has reportedly been a sticking point in the negotiations between U.S. and Canadian officials. While recent reports suggest that this issue has been “resolved,” no indication has been given on whether the steel will come from China or from U.S. and Canadian mills.
Commented Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) Executive Director Scott Paul:
“Since the proposed bridge project is intended to boost trade between the U.S. and Canada, it should be constructed with steel and other components manufactured in both of the countries involved.
“What makes absolutely no sense would be to import massive amounts of steel from China. Recent experience with the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge has taught us that opting for government-subsidized Chinese steel costs more in the long-term, delays delivery, raises quality concerns, and bypasses the opportunity to create jobs here at home.
“We are confident that U.S. and Canadian officials will do the right thing, and we will be watching as this project unfolds to continue to stress the importance of using quality, reliable steel from American and Canadian mills."
AAM has frequently advocated for domestic steel to be used in the nation’s lengthy list of infrastructure construction and repair projects. Recognizing the unique nature of the proposed Detroit RIver bridge, AAM supports the sourcing of steel and other manufactured goods from both the U.S. and Canada.
AAM recently launched a campaign to raise awareness of the pitfalls of California’s trouble-plagued Bay Bridge. As AAM has reported on numerous occasions, the outsourcing of the Bay Bridge’s central span to a Chinese steel company led to massive delays and cost overruns due to faulty product.
Click here to learn more about the Bay Bridge fiasco, and why U.S. infrastructure projects should be “Made in America.”