EPI in the news

• How Trump’s Tariffs Are Spurring Aluminum Expansion

   

  Robert E. Scott, an economist at the Economic Policy Institute, discusses a report on the impact of President Donald Trump’s metal tariffs on the domestic aluminum industry. He speaks with Bloomberg’s Joe Weisenthal and Romaine Bostick on “What’d You Miss?”

  Bloomberg | December 17, 2018
• Aluminum tariffs have put US producers on a level playing field

  Aluminum tariffs have put US producers on a level playing field

   

  The Hill | December 17, 2018
• Aluminum Tariffs Key Driver in Creation of Over 3000 Jobs

  The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) released new research that shows after Section 232 tariffs were imposed on aluminum (and steel) in March 2018, the domestic producers of both primary and downstream aluminum products have made commitments to create over 3,000 jobs. At the same time, these domestic producers should generate over $3.4 billion in new investments and substantially increase domestic production of aluminum. Robert Scott, director of Trade and Manufacturing Policy Research, explains that in early 2017, the U.S. primary aluminum industry had almost disappeared completely. Between 2010 and 2017, 18 of 23 aluminum smelters shut down, eliminating roughly 13,000 jobs. In 2016, there were three alumina refineries supplying U.S. smelters, and by 2017, only one remained in operation. (whole story)

  24/7 Wall St. | December 17, 2018
• Morning in Metals: Section 232 Tariffs Working? Competing Studies Duke It Out

   

  Aluminum sector doing just fine with tariffs, according to one study…The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) “released a new economic study on the impact the aluminum tariffs have had on the aluminum industry, which shows conclusively that the tariffs are helping boost aluminum production and create jobs,” according to the Hellenic Shipping News. “The EPI study points out that as a result of the aluminum tariffs twenty-two new and expansion projects have been announced in downstream aluminum industries producing extruded (rod and bar, pipe and tube and extruded shapes) and rolled (sheet and plate) products.” Full article here.

  Metal Miner | December 17, 2018
• Panel Sings Praises of Aluminum and Steel Tariffs

   

  Tariffs on steel and aluminum have created many uncertainties within the glass and glazing industry and the general U.S. market. However, a new report claims the tariffs have been effective at increasing jobs and aluminum production in the U.S. The National Press Club recently held an event called, “The Real Economic Effects of President’s Trump’s 232 Aluminum and Steel Tariff,” aimed at answering questions about the tariffs’ impact on the U.S. economy throughout the past nine months. Robert E. Scott, senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute, released a report that says the “aluminum tariffs have led to a strong recovery in employment, production and investment in primary aluminum and downstream industries.” The report set the tone for much of the panel discussion. Scott was joined on the panel by former U.S. Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN); Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing; Jesse Gary, executive vice president and general counsel at Century Aluminum; and Jeff Ferry, research director at the Coalition for a Prosperous America. (whole story about event)

  USGlass News Network | December 17, 2018
• McDonald’s Workers Criticize ‘Joint Employer’ Rule Proposal (1)

   

  The Economic Policy Institute, a left-leaning think tank that made that submission, said data from 2017 shows contracting firms and temporary help agencies employed 2.3 million workers who would be harmed by the current proposal.

  Bloomberg BNA | December 17, 2018
• Think tank: Employers retain power despite a tight labor market

   

  • Industry consolidation is putting a squeeze on suppliers competing for contracts with large companies, which in turn has negative effects on the suppliers’ employees, panelists said at an event hosted by the left-leaning Economic Policy Institute (EPI) and Open Markets Institute in Washington, D.C., Wednesday.
  • An EPI report presented at the event described an erosion of worker power, caused by policy changes such as deregulation and growth of an independent contractor model.

  Panelists called for a reinstatement of worker collaboration, including unionization and bargaining rights, to restore the balance of power between employers and employees. (whole story)

  Supply Chain Drive | December 17, 2018

More EPI in the news →