Economy
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/media/k2/items/src/d53a66a0510d5ef9ba8cb5883a2f9463.jpg)
SMA: Steel Industry is Ready, Willing and Able
Written by Sandy Williams
April 16, 2021
The Steel Manufacturers Association applauds the Congressional Steel Caucus for their bi-partisan support of Buy America policies to fix America’s infrastructure.
Said SMA President Philip Bell, “Yesterday, a bipartisan group of over 50 members of Congress affirmed that Buy America procurement policies that promote using steel made in America by Americans is a trade-compliant approach to create jobs and strengthen our economy. Using American-made steel is also the most sustainable way to “Build Back Better” because it reduces the amount of high CO2 emitting foreign steel imports.”
Bell added, “The domestic steel industry is ready, willing and able to play a pivotal role in rebuilding and upgrading our nation’s critical infrastructure.”
The letter from the Caucus to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy called the pairing of Buy America policies and an expansive infrastructure bill “common sense.”
Wrote the Caucus, “We urge improvements that broaden Buy America applications across all forms of federally assisted and direct federal infrastructure spending, while covering more materials beyond iron and steel, closing loopholes, and defending the “all manufacturing processes” standards that ensure raw steel production occurs here in the United States. Each dollar that is directed overseas is a missed opportunity to revitalize our nation’s manufacturing sector and create good wage jobs for American workers.”
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/sandy-williams.jpeg)
Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Economy
Metalformers expect steady conditions in coming months
Metalformers expect economic activity to stabilize over the next three months, according to the recently released July Business Conditions Report from the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA).
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/construction.png)
Architecture Billings Index rises from 4-year low in June
The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) ticked up in June following May’s four-year low, according to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Deltek. While the index improved this month, it continues to indicate weak business conditions among architecture firms.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/FedRes.png)
Beige Book: Uncertainty to continue fueling slower economic growth
Growth in the US economy continues to be constrained. The Federal Reserve’s Beige Book report for July shows more areas reporting flat or declining economic activity than in its previous report at the end of May.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/AISI.png)
AISI, AISC, University of Massachusetts get ~$6.4M EPA grant
The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst have received a grant to enhance emissions reporting for steel construction projects.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/empire_state_1-scaled.jpg)
Manufacturing activity in New York state continues to soften
New York state saw a continued decline in manufacturing activity in July, according to the latest Empire State Manufacturing Survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.