Bahrain requests exemption from Iron, Aluminium tariffs

Manama : Bahrain has requested the US to exempt it from the hefty tariffs on iron and aluminium imports and is examining all measures to resolve the matter, said the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Zayed R. Alzayani.

“The Ministry is doing its utmost to resolve the matter in coordination with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain in Washington to obtain a special exception,” said Alzayani in a statement.

Alzayani also confirmed that the Ministry is in constant contact with the US Administration on the issue.

The request was submitted during Minister’s visit to Washington last month, where he met the US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and US Deputy Trade Representative Jeffrey Gerrish.

The minister pointed out that Bahrain and the United States enjoys strong relations, and there is optimism to obtain an exemption from the customs fees proposed in the United States.

Last Month, President Trump signed two proclamations that levied 25 per cent tariff on steel imports and 10pc on aluminium imports from all countries except Canada and Mexico.