A lawyer who has represented the interests of American manufacturing for over two decades, has been appointed executive director of the Committee to Support US Trade Laws (CSUSTL).

Thomas M Sneeringer took up his new role on 1 September.

The CSUSTL is an organisation of manufacturers, workers and others dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of US trade laws.

As executive director of CSUSTL, Sneeringer will assist in both the organisational and advocacy activities of the group.

Terence P Stewart, managing partner of Stewart and Stewart and president of the CSUSTL said he welcomed the appointment of Mr Sneeringer. "CSUSTL has always operated well on the volunteerism and dedication of its members, and much has been achieved," he said, adding that having Mr Sneeringer on board will 'help us keep the laws against unfair trade available and effective for American producers'.

"Americans are challenged as never before to fight for the hard-earned benefits of free trade against those who would abuse it," Stewart said.

Sneeringer has steel industry experience having worked for US Steel in the capacity of managing director of Federal Government affairs. He has also worked as senior vice president for public policy and general counsel of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).