Policy Agenda
“If it moves on land, in the air, or on the sea, it contains forgings.”
The forging industry is a vital part of the North American economy. Our annual $15 billion industry is the bedrock of the manufacturing sector, which sustains a thriving economy, thousands of high-paying jobs, and national security. The majority of our member companies are family-owned and operated facing unfair trade practices. With the united voice of our members, we are committed to bringing awareness of our policy priorities to lawmakers.
Fair Trade
The forging industry relies on fair trade practices and enforcement to compete in the marketplace. However, bad actors over the last forty years have undermined U.S. national and economic security. Thankfully, the Section 232 and 301 tariffs have put pressure on China and helped create a more proportionate playing field for domestic forgers.
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76% of forgers added jobs as a direct result of the 25% tariffs
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67% of forgers say 25% tariffs generated new business from China
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63% of forgers would reduce workers/freeze hiring if USTR lifts 25% tariffs
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53% of forgers increased spending on U.S. suppliers due to 25% tariffs
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46%: how much of the global forging market China controls
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228: number of U.S. forging plants closed since 1979 due in part to China
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Forgings recognized in White House supply chain Executive Order 14017
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Department of Defense identifies forgings as a critical area of focus
Resources:
Click here to download a copy of FIA Testimony from the USTR Hearing on Promoting Supply Chain Resilience - May 23, 2024.
Click here to download a copy of the FIA statement regarding Tariffs on Canada and Mexico (February 18, 2025)
Workforce Development
The forging industry accounts for more than $15 billion in annual sales and provides more than 35,000 manufacturing jobs across 38 states. These are high wage jobs — averaging more than $93,000 per year. The average age of a forging press operator is 56 years old; industry needs help recruiting next generation.
To support the forging industry, FIA advocates for Congress to:
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Reinstate 100% Bonus Depreciation for capital investments
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Reinstate full immediate expensing for Research and Development activity
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Increase funding for Career and Technical Education, apprenticeships
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Allow Pell Grants for short-term programs
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Improve awareness of college borrowing costs
Unfair Trade Tracking Center
Has your company dealt with unfair trade practices? If so, we encourage you to fill out the survey below. The data you provide will help strengthen our advocacy positions in front of lawmakers and Administration officials. This simple survey only takes a couple of minutes to complete. All the information submitted will remain confidential with FIA.
Click here to take the survey.
Public Policy Committee
The Public Policy Committee is a group of members who aim to promote the advocacy objective of the FIA Strategic Plan. The committee meets every other month or as needed. Interested in sharing your input on advocacy-related matters? Contact Laura Johnson at laura@forging.org to join the Public Policy Committee.
Click here to view some FAQs about the FIA ForgingPAC.
