MSCI Applauds Final Confirmation Of U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer

On May 11, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Ambassador Robert Lighthizer to serve as U.S. Trade Representative on an 82-14 vote. (Click here to see how your senator voted.) Metals Service Center Institute President and CEO M. Robert Weidner praised Lighthizer’s confirmation, saying:

“We are incredibly pleased that the full U.S. Senate finally has approved Mr. Lighthizer for the post of U.S. Trade Representative. This nomination—of an eminently qualified trade lawyer—languished for far too long. Mr. Lighthizer can now join Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy Director Peter Navarro, who already have been working hard to develop creative and aggressive strategies that will ensure that free trade is fair trade. The industrial metals supply chain is facing a growing list of foreign market-distorting practices and unfair trade practices. To secure the health of the entire sector and ensure a level playing field, the industry requires strong trade enforcement, both upstream and downstream, that is consistent with the international trade rules. We look forward to working with Mr. Lighthizer and his team to strengthen U.S. trade policy and enforcement.”

It’s expected that Lighthizer will be formally sworn in as U.S. Trade Representative this week.