Miller, Sewell, Tuberville, Brown Introduce the Increasing American Ferrosilicon Production Act 

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) and Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL) introduced the Increasing American Ferrosilicon Production Act in the House of Representatives, which will impose a tariff on Si 75% ferrosilicon, the last remaining Russian ferrosilicon product that is imported into the United States duty free. This bill will encourage U.S.-based producers of ferrosilicon to increase domestic production and create more jobs in steelmaking and other industries.
 
Currently, the United States imports large amounts of ferrosilicon from Russia. This important alloy of silicon and iron is used in many applications, including steel production. Companies such as Ferroglobe, which have production sites in West Virginia and Alabama, produce ferrosilicon and have unused capacity.
 
Companion legislation has been introduced by Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) in the Senate.
 
“Russia has initiated a war on the free world. The United States should be doing everything to stifle their economic growth, not fuel it. By implementing a large tariff on Russian made Ferrosilicon, we are enabling Ferrosilicon production in places like West Virginia and Alabama to flourish. Stopping Russia’s access to American markets will decrease our reliance on Russia and increase our exports, while making the United States more competitive globally. The Increasing American Ferrosilicon Production Act will create more jobs, improve U.S. national security, and grow the American economy,” said Congresswoman Miller.  
                                                     
“We know that when producers and workers in Alabama’s Black Belt are given a level playing field, they can compete and win,” said Congresswoman Sewell. “That’s why this legislation is so critical. The Increasing American Ferrosilicon Production Act will bring more jobs and opportunities to the people of the Black Belt and strengthen our economy. I urge my colleagues to give it their support!”
 
“We don’t need to rely on Russia for the iron alloys we use for batteries, steel, semiconductors, and cleaning supplies. We make them right here in Alabama,” Senator Tuberville said. “I believe in fair trade; we cannot continue being dependent on our enemies. This bipartisan legislation would help secure our supply chain and ensure jobs and opportunity stay in Alabama.”

“We know what a problem far-flung supply chains have become for Ohio companies, and for our economic security. There’s no reason the steel industry should have to rely on production from one of our adversaries like Russia, when we can produce this key component here in the U.S., in Ohio,” said Senator Brown. “Our bill would support workers in Appalachian Ohio, and make our supply chains more secure.”
 
“Ferroglobe wholeheartedly commends Representative Miller and Representative Sewell for their dedication to American industry. Their bipartisan leadership exemplifies a commitment to American national security and global stability. We call upon Congress to swiftly pass the Increasing American Ferrosilicon Production Act for the benefit of the U.S.  We are very grateful for their commitment to this issue and American workers,” said Marco Levi, CEO of Ferroglobe PLC.                                                                                                                            
Click here for bill text.
Click here for one pager.
 
Background:

• Currently, there are two U.S. based producers of Si 75% ferrosilicon, CC Metals and Alloys, LLC and Ferroglobe PLC. One of the production sites is in Alloy, West Virginia.
• As of now, 45% tariffs have been imposed on all forms of ferrosilicon imported from Russia, except for a ferrosilicon containing 75% silicon (Si 75% ferrosilicon). Increasing the tariff on Si 75% ferrosilicon will deny the Russian government hard currency and prevent them from dominating the U.S. market.  
• Russian prices of Si 75% ferrosilicon have increased significantly since Russia invaded Ukraine. U.S. based producers have sufficient excess capacity, strengthened by friendly-nation imports, to meet our domestic market’s needs. There is no reason for the United States to be reliant on Russian imports. 

 
The Increasing American Ferrosilicon Production Act will:

• Bolster U.S.-based productions,
• Create U.S. jobs,
• Diversify and strengthen domestic supply chains, and
• Reduce reliance on foreign adversaries.

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