Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, along with a bipartisan group of Senate colleagues, has introduced the Securing America’s Titanium Manufacturing Act, a legislation aimed at supporting America’s titanium supply chain and promoting investment in the U.S. defense industrial base.

Senator Capito highlighted the importance of the bill for West Virginia, stating, "West Virginia is known for its manufacturing capabilities and has a proud tradition of involvement within the titanium industry. This legislation would help ease costs on this vital industry, increase access to materials, and encourage economic development while maintaining U.S. authority to adjust tariffs as needed."

Alun Davies, General Manager of TIMET Ravenswood, expressed optimism about the impact of the bill on the U.S. titanium industry, saying, "The Securing America’s Titanium Manufacturing Act will have a positive impact on further growth of the U.S. titanium industry and solidify its role in the critical US national security supply chain."

The legislation aims to remove the 15% tariff on titanium sponge imports, which currently costs U.S. companies millions of dollars in unnecessary expenses. This move is crucial as the U.S. titanium industry heavily relies on imports for titanium sponge, a key component in military defense materials such as aircraft, submarines, and satellites. By removing the tariff, the bill seeks to level the playing field for U.S. producers against foreign competitors, particularly those in hostile nations like China and Russia.

Furthermore, the Securing America’s Titanium Manufacturing Act would require the President to monitor any attempts by hostile countries to infiltrate the U.S. titanium supply chain and empower the President to reinstate the tariff if necessary to protect U.S. businesses, workers, or national security.

Supported by industry stakeholders like TIMET, the United Steelworkers, and the Aerospace Industry Association, the bipartisan legislation aligns with recommendations from the Titanium Sponge Working Group, an interagency commission established under President Donald Trump to strengthen U.S. national security.

The introduction of this legislation reflects a concerted effort to bolster the American titanium industry, support workers, and enhance national security in a critical sector.