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Washington, D.C. -Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) joined Representatives Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), Dan Kildee (D-MI), Dina Titus (D-NV), Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Haley Stevens (D-MI) in introducing the Securing America's Titanium Manufacturing Act. This legislation would temporarily waive the 15% tariff on imported titanium sponge to ensure U.S. titanium manufacturers and workers can compete with Russian and Chinese state-owned enterprises in the global titanium marketplace.
"The United States should not be buying titanium from our adversaries that we can produce ourselves. Now more than ever, we should be bolstering American manufacturers and critical mineral producers to protect U.S. national security. The Securing America's Titanium Manufacturing Act of 2024 will ensure that the United States is using our resources to improve our titanium supply, strengthen our national security, and grow our economy," said Congresswoman Miller.
"The current 15% tariff on imported of titanium sponge puts an unnecessary burden on American producers, especially the producers of critical products needed for our national defense," said Congressman Wenstrup. "By providing a temporary waiver of these tariffs, we can ensure American producers can compete on the international stage while securing the supply chain for critical supplies needed for our defense industry."
"American workers and manufacturers rely on titanium sponge to build components for engines, planes, and satellites-technologies that are critical to our national security," said Congressman Kildee. "I'm pleased to introduce new legislation to safeguard our supply chain for titanium sponge, support good-paying jobs, and level the playing field for American workers in Michigan and across the country."
Click here for bill text.
Background:
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Titanium sponge is a critical raw material used in aircraft frames, jet engines, helicopters, and missiles, among other products. There is currently no domestic production of titanium sponge, leaving American manufacturers no choice but to import from abroad and pay the 15% tariff.
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The current tariffs place American titanium producers at a cost disadvantage, harming their ability to compete with foreign producers in Russia and China who rely on local supplies of titanium sponge.
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Our ally and trusted trading partner, Japan, provided over three quarters of U.S. titanium sponge imports in 2023, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
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Importantly, the bill provides the authority for the President to increase the duty back to its original 15% rate if there is sufficient domestic production to meet U.S. national security needs, or if imports from countries of concern begin to rise.
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