PA Representative to Feds: Powder Metallurgy Industry is Suffering

Pennsylvania House Representative Mike Armanini (Elk/Clearfield) is using his connections to amplify the voices of PM businesspeople sounding the alarm on a dangerous combination of factors not only affecting the industry, but also the supply chain for key manufacturers like those in the automobile industry.

Armanini has contacted U.S. Sens. Dave McCormick and John Fetterman’s offices as well as those of U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson. At issue are the government’s 50% tariff on copper-based powder imports and limitations stemming from a single source of copper powder manufacturing in the United States.

“I’m hearing every day how this tariff is having devastating effects in my own legislative district,” Armanini said.

Industry leaders, including the Metal Powder Industries Federation, have been vocal in opposition to the 50% tariff on copper products imported from other countries. Desperate business leaders are forced to buy products from overseas simply because they aren’t being made domestically, Armanini said.

Armanini joined the Legislature with a background in the powder metallurgy industry spanning four decades.

“I support at least temporarily removing the tariff rate to help stabilize this industry, which reaches into so many other aspects of manufacturing. The average person doesn’t realize how powder metals support everything from garden tools and household appliances to complex airplane and national defense needs,” Armanini said.

Armanini represents the 75th House District, which is home to more than a dozen companies that signed a letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce asking for a temporary elimination of the tariff. Armanini said he hopes continued talks with members of Congress can yield an agreement.