Blue-collar unions such as the United Steelworkers of America have long pushed for stiff trade barriers against low-priced foreign competition. The unions see this as a way to save American jobs. And the Bush Administration's recent move to pursue tariffs on imported steel marks a victory for that kind of thinking.
Some believe the Administration effort, if successful, will do more harm than good for the U.S. economy. Restrictions on steel imports will raise prices for U.S. steel-consuming industries, making them less competitive in world markets, ultimately costing more jobs than they save, these voices say.