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Reagan's ruling was a politically astute move in an election year; thousands of votes in such steel-producing states as Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio are likely to be influenced by the decision. Indeed, Bethlehem Steel and the Steelworkers Union had timed their petition to the Trade Commission so that Reagan would be forced to make a decision in the middle of the campaign. In an appeal to Midwestern Rust Bowl voters the day before Reagan's announcement, Walter Mondale had called for the very import quotas the President rejected.
Steel-industry executives who sought the quotas nonetheless praised Reagan's action. Bethlehem Chairman Donald H. Trautlein called it "an appropriate response." U.S. Steel Chairman David M. Roderick said the President's plan "moves to correct the steel trade program in a comprehensive and enforceable fashion. If fully implemented, it would put 25,000 to 40,000 steelworkers back on the job."
The decision on steel leaves the Reagan Administration with a mixed record on trade issues. In the spring of 1983, the President agreed to sharply higher tariffs on Japanese motorcycles to assist Harley-Davidson, the sole remaining U.S. motorcycle maker. Three weeks ago, though, he refused to protect the copper-mining industry with quotas that would have restricted imports from Chile, Peru, Zaïre and other copper-producing countries. The President has staunchly advocated free trade in speeches, but sometimes, like last week, he has compromised in its practice.
—By John S. DeMott. Reported by William Stewart/Washington