Southern West Virginia News

Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) has joined Representatives Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), Dan Kildee (D-MI), Dina Titus (D-NV), Mike Kelly (R-PA), and Haley Stevens (D-MI) in introducing the Securing America’s Titanium Manufacturing Act. This legislation aims to temporarily waive the 15% tariff on imported titanium sponge, allowing U.S. titanium manufacturers and workers to better compete with Russian and Chinese state-owned enterprises in the global market.

“The United States should not be buying titanium from our adversaries that we can produce ourselves. Now more than ever, we should be bolstering American manufacturers and critical mineral producers to protect U.S. national security. The Securing America’s Titanium Manufacturing Act of 2024 will ensure that the United States is using our resources to improve our titanium supply, strengthen our national security, and grow our economy,” said Congresswoman Miller.

“The current 15% tariff on imported titanium sponge puts an unnecessary burden on American producers, especially the producers of critical products needed for our national defense,” said Congressman Wenstrup. “By providing a temporary waiver of these tariffs, we can ensure American producers can compete on the international stage while securing the supply chain for critical supplies needed for our defense industry.”

"American workers and manufacturers rely on titanium sponge to build components for engines, planes, and satellites—technologies that are critical to our national security,” said Congressman Kildee. “I'm pleased to introduce new legislation to safeguard our supply chain for titanium sponge, support good-paying jobs, and level the playing field for American workers in Michigan and across the country.”

Titanium sponge is a crucial raw material used in aircraft frames, jet engines, helicopters, and missiles. Currently, there is no domestic production of titanium sponge in the United States, forcing American manufacturers to import it from abroad and pay a 15% tariff. These tariffs place American producers at a cost disadvantage compared to foreign competitors in Russia and China who have local supplies of titanium sponge.

In 2023, Japan provided over three-quarters of U.S. titanium sponge imports according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The bill also includes provisions allowing the President to reinstate the original 15% duty if sufficient domestic production meets U.S. national security needs or if imports from countries of concern begin to rise.