Pipeline companies push back against Trump's 'Buy American' rule

New York

A DIRECTIVE requiring US pipeline companies to use American steel and iron in their projects is testing President Donald Trump's ability to keep his promises to two industries on opposing sides of the issue.

In comments to the US Department of Commerce, which is crafting the so-called "Buy American" plan, pipeline companies and their trade groups argued the change would increase costs and disrupt operations.

Steel companies, meanwhile, embraced the policy as an opportunity to take advantage of the country's surging oil and gas production. And Mr Trump has vowed to support both.

The d…