In late June, U.S. Reps. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) and Dan Kildee (D-MI) joined several of their colleagues to introduce legislation that would temporarily ensure U.S. titanium manufacturers have access to the global titanium marketplace.
The Securing America’s Titanium Manufacturing Act would temporarily waive the 15 percent tariff on imported titanium sponge, the Congressmembers said. U.S. Reps. Carol Miller (R-WV), Dina Titus (D-NV), Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Haley Stevens (D-MI) also co-sponsored the bill.
“The current 15 percent tariff on imported of titanium sponge puts an unnecessary burden on American producers, especially the producers of critical products needed for our national defense,” Wenstrup said. “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.”
Officials said titanium sponge is a crucial raw material used in creating aircraft frames, jet engines, helicopters and missiles, among other things. Currently in the U.S. there is no domestic production of titanium sponge requiring U.S. titanium manufacturers to import it from abroad. The current 15 percent tariff puts American titanium producers at a disadvantage globally, the Congressmembers said. Three quarters of the U.S. titanium sponge imports in the U.S. come from Japan.
The bill also includes provisions that would give the President the authority to increase the tariff back to 15 percent if a sufficient domestic production to meet U.S. national security arises or if importing titanium from other countries becomes a concern.
The legislation has wide industry support.
“Titanium is critical to the U.S. aerospace and defense industry. From jet engines to landing gear, it’s used in every major platform. Rep. Wenstrup and Rep. Kildee’s new bill Securing America’s Titanium Manufacturing Act will ensure reliable access to this vital mineral,” Eric Fanning, President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association, said.