Bush renews support for steel tariffs

CHICAGO - President Bush renewed his support Saturday for tariffs on steel imports even as his Treasury secretary was reported to have opposed the move, saying it would cost American jobs. <br> <br> Bush imposed hefty tariffs of up to 30 percent on a range of steel imports on March 5, suggesting it would help ailing U.S. steelmakers get back on their feet. <br> <br> ``The president&#39;s view is that the relief will provide the industry the time to recover,&#39;&#39; spokeswoman Claire Buchan said as Bush attended a St. Patrick&#39;s Day parade. <br> <br> Buchan was responding to a report that Treasury Secretary Paul O&#39;Neill had said he disagreed with the tariff decision because it endangered more jobs in steel-using industries than it would protect among steelmakers. <br> <br> O&#39;Neill made the remarks after a speech Wednesday at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, The New York Times reported Saturday. <br> <br> Treasury spokeswoman Michele Davis disputed the report and said O&#39;Neill had been repeating his position that tariffs are not a long-term solution and that the industry needs to restructure. <br> <br> U.S. trading partners have said the steel tariffs are setback for world trade. Other critics have said the move raise prices for American shoppers for such things as cars and appliances. <br> <br> O&#39;Neill has a reputation for being outspoken and making spontaneous observations. He has occasionally tilted against administration policies - initially questioning the short-term benefits of the Bush tax cut and advocating an aggressive battle to combat global warming.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/3/197321