Final Thoughts

Final thoughts

Written by Brett Linton & Ethan Bernard

May 16, 2024

SMU had the pleasure of attending the American Iron and Steel Institute’s (AISI’s) annual general meeting in Washington this week. It was a slow week in our nation’s capital, so we were able to take a leisurely stroll around the National Mall and take in the sights.

Just kidding. In fact, the meeting coincided with significant trade actions announced by the Biden administration. It included, among other things, additional tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum.

However, beyond tariffs and trade talk, the meeting also included exciting “green” developments. Lourenco Goncalves, Cleveland-Cliffs’ chairman, president, and CEO, and currently chairman of AISI, talked about hydrogen. “Coal fueled the first industrial revolution, and hydrogen will fuel the second industrial revolution,” he said at a press conference at the event.

Earlier this year, Cliffs completed a hydrogen injection trial at its Indiana Harbor No. 7 blast furnace in East Chicago, Ind.

Already the cleanest steel industry in the world, from hydrogen to carbon capture, to EAF steelmaking, the prospect of Net Zero is getting closer, and steel is getting greener.

So in the spirit of decarbonization, and to give the US industry a little pat on the back, we thought this week we’d focus our crossword lens on the issue of sustainability. And, for the record, we’d just like to note that no trees were harmed in the production of this puzzle. Enjoy!

This week in steel history

The Transcontinental Railroad was completed in 1869 as the final rail was placed in Promontory Point, Utah, on May 10. Previously a four- to six-month voyage by wagon, the railroad allowed passengers to cross the US in just seven days. Tickets started at $65 (nearly $1,500 today). More than 1,700 miles of track were laid, consisting of timber for railroad beams and iron and steel for tracks and spikes. The demand for steel for railroad tracks, bridges, and other infrastructure spurred the growth of the steel industry. This led to innovations in steelmaking processes and the establishment of steel mills across the country.

Crossword

Click here to attempt this week’s sustainability crossword.

Brett Linton

Brett Linton is a senior analyst for Steel Market Update, where he began his career. Linton has been in the steel industry since 2010. He has held roles as a category manager and strategic insights director at Reibus before returning to SMU in 2024. He is a graduate of The University of North Georgia with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Brett can be reached at brett@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-314-0179.

Read more from Brett Linton

Ethan Bernard

Ethan Bernard is a reporter and editor for Steel Market Update. He previously worked for American Metal Market as a copy editor in the New York office for two years starting in 2008. Later, he copy edited AMM’s monthly magazine on a freelance basis from 2015 until 2017. With experience in financial copywriting and textbook publishing, he holds a BA in Comparative Literature from UC Berkeley, and an MFA. in Creative Writing from New York University. He can be reached at ethan@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-759-7871.

Read more from Ethan Bernard

Latest in Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

It’s been another week of torrid speculation when it comes Trump and tariffs. And another week of mostly flat price movement when it comes to steel sheet and plate. As far as Trump and tariffs go, I think I might have lost track. We've potentially got 10% blanket tariffs on imports from China, 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, 100% tariffs on the BRICs, and 200% on Caterpillar. Canada might be the 51st state. Mexico could be the 52nd state. But all can be resolved if you stop by Mar-a-Lago and kiss the ring?