The purpose was to protect the STEEL MANUFACTURERS from foreign dumping. Perhaps you need to understand what dumping strategies are, such as those employed by China.
It was not intended to benefit those who were buying the dumped foreign steel.
Right, and it was reversed when the damage to U.S. steel consuming industries became quite apparent. Moving washing machine and car manufacturing (IIRC) to Canada and Mexico to avoid sheet steel prices in the U.S. is no way to “protect” American jobs. IIRC, the net effect of the steel tarrifs was to DECREASE American manufacturing jobs. It moved the manufacturing of steel constructed gizmos off shore.
Regarding dumping, if countries wish to sell us stuff for less than it costs them to manufacture it, I’m in favor. Let their taxpayers support our consumption.
I am not aware of a long-term successful dumping strategy in which a local industry was decimated, causing long-term price increases foisted by the dumper. Usually, the dumping strategy just moves on to the next foolish country that wishes to corner that market.
I’m not a student of the economics of the history of dumping. So if you have an example of a long-term successful strategy, I’ll listen.