Officials from the United States and United Kingdom recently released a joint statement on steel and aluminum capacity. Tariffs on both products in the two countries also were discussed. 

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and U.K. Secretary of State for International Trade Anne-Marie Trevelyan began bilateral discussions on Jan. 19 to deal with the excess capacity of global steel and aluminum. 

“Secretary Raimondo, Ambassador Tai and Secretary Trevelyan will enter into discussions on the mutual resolution of concerns in this area that addresses steel and aluminum excess capacity and the deployment of effective solutions, including appropriate trade measures, to preserve our critical industries" according to a recent press release. 

The discussions included the United States’ levying of tariffs on imports from the United Kingdom under Section 232, and the U.K.’s retaliatory tariffs on certain U.S. exports to the U.K. In the meeting, both sides agreed to work toward an expeditious outcome that ensures the viability of steel and aluminum industries in both markets. Both nations view the steel and aluminum industries as "critical," according to the press release.

Both the United States and United Kingdom view each other as partners with similar international concerns, making this an important agreement, according to the press release.