Story highlights
Trump has railed against China for its excess steel production
The US imports steel from over 90 countries
President Donald Trump directed his administration Thursday to investigate whether imports of foreign steel are harming US national security.
The probe, led by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, is expected to determine whether US manufacturers can quickly scale up production during a national security event with their current supply of US and imported steel. The investigation could result in recommendations on whether to curb steel imports.
Speaking in the Oval Office Thursday, Trump characterized the move as another way to bring back manufacturing jobs to the United States, a top priority that he said likely helped him win office.
