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FIRST ON FOX: President Trump’s tariffs are set to benefit an Ohio steel mill as the CEO of JSW Steel USA, a subsidiary of a significant Indian steel manufacturer, confirmed in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital.
Robert Simon, the CEO of JSW Steel USA, expressed optimism about the impact of Trump’s tariffs during a phone interview. He noted, “It’s a good piece of the formula that results in our company increasing utilization in the next 12 months, from 68% to probably 84%, and beyond that in years to come. So it’s a very exciting time for us.” This statement highlights the potential for heightened productivity and job creation.
Simon has a robust track record in the steel industry, boasting over 30 years of experience. He shared insights with Fox News Digital shortly after Trump unveiled his administration’s plan on trade, which aims to significantly increase U.S. job opportunities as trading partners shift their operations to U.S. soil to dodge tariffs.
Operating under the JSW Group, based in Mumbai, JSW Steel USA maintains two steel production facilities in the United States. These locations include the Mingo Junction plant in Ohio and another in Baytown, Texas.
Simon emphasized the importance of adherence to strict environmental and safety regulations among U.S. steel manufacturers. He contrasted this with foreign competitors, who may bypass these standards, gaining an unfair advantage by exporting their goods to the U.S. market.
“We, as steel producers, have paid our employees fair wages, treated them equitably, and complied with some of the most stringent environmental requirements globally,” Simon stated. He further lamented the inequities in the market, questioning the fairness of allowing foreign companies to enter the U.S. market without adhering to the same standards. “How is it fair that others that don’t treat their employees the same way, don’t follow the same rules, don’t follow environmental practices… they get government subsidies?” he asked.
Under Trump’s tariff policy, JSW Steel USA anticipates a significant increase in employment at the Ohio plant. Simon estimated that at least 100 new jobs could be created within the next year alone. “As you look at that increase in utilization coupled with the overall increase in production that we foresee in the next three to five years, we estimate, at a minimum, a 100 jobs increase in the next 12 plus months associated with that utilization rate increase,” he explained.
Recently, Trump’s administration reinstated a 25% tariff on steel as part of efforts to bolster domestic steel and aluminum industries. The administration detailed a target to achieve sustainable capacity utilization of at least 80%. JSW Steel USA reported that they are already on track to exceed that target, increasing utilization from 68% to 84%.
Previously, under Trump’s first term, JSW Steel USA challenged the federal government over tariffs imposed on imported steel-slab materials. However, the company has since shifted to producing all domestic steel-slab materials, aligning with JSW Group’s commitment to supporting local economies and providing products to the communities where they operate.
Simon celebrated the revitalization of Ohio’s steel industry, noting the return of families to jobs that have long been part of their heritage. JSW USA acquired the Ohio factory in 2018 after it had been inactive for several years.
“This is a company that had been shutdown for over seven years when we acquired it. We hired a workforce, trained a workforce, all from the local area. It’s really gratifying to see employees whose grandparents and great-grandparents worked for this company now playing a role in its revival,” Simon reflected.
On the topic of trade, Trump introduced a reciprocal tariff strategy. He appointed Howard Lutnick, his nominee for commerce secretary, to produce a report on reciprocal trade relations within 180 days. Lutnick assured that the report would be ready by April 1.
Trump has described the reciprocal tariffs as a fair approach, stating that whatever tariff rates foreign nations impose on the U.S., the U.S. will reciprocate accordingly. He added, “If you build here, you have no tariffs whatsoever. I think that’s what’s going to happen. I believe our country will be flooded with jobs.” This sentiment conveys a strong sense of optimism for U.S. job growth as foreign partners consider relocating their operations domestically to mitigate tariff impacts.
Simon praised Trump’s ability to navigate business matters rapidly, stressing that decision-making has occurred at a pace unprecedented in his experience. He remarked, “It’s become obvious to everybody that Mr. Trump is not a politician… he leads our country from more of a business perspective than as a career politician. This results in very quick negotiations.”
On the same day, Trump engaged in discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on trade relations, the economic partnership between India and the United States, and military sales. They expressed commitment to fostering investments between both countries, specifically recognizing JSW’s operations in Texas and Ohio as key components in U.S. investment initiatives.
Simon asserted the necessity of the steel tariffs implemented by President Trump to ensure a fair marketplace for American steelworkers and manufacturers. He highlighted the environmental and safety issues foreign competitors bypass, emphasizing that this lack of compliance could jeopardize the U.S. market.
This pivotal moment for the Ohio steel mill and its workforce underscores a time of transformation driven by tariff policies and trade negotiations that could redefine the landscape of American manufacturing for years to come.
