[Cacophonous]

Which is more important...the ability of the consumer to by a cheaper steel widget, or the economic survival of American industry?

[Registered]

The real question is why do you want to penalize the consumer? Why take my freedom to purchase something at a lower cost away? BTW, this may just cause some American businesses to relocate as they may be able to manufacture these steel products at a lower cost overseas and not incur the 20-30 percent tarrif.

[antaresequity]

Which is more important...the ability of the consumer to by a cheaper steel widget, or the economic survival of American industry?

The ability to buy the widget is more important. But your question should have read: Which is more important...Resources allocation should be decided by market efficiency or, Resource allocation should be directed to a narrow interest group by politicians in an effort to support innefficient production and to garner vote support.