Final Thoughts

Maybe it’s the way the winter suns glints off the Allegheny River just outside the CRU office. Or maybe it’s just that time of year when I get to thinking about the past 12 months. Maybe. In any case, it’s definitely been an interesting year. Here is me looking back, and wondering about what lies ahead.

Holiday musings…

The SMU team flew into Pittsburgh seeking holiday cheer,

Also attending some meetings, perhaps an after-work beer.

It was time for reflection, as we are closing the door

On what has been for many a lackluster 2024.

II.

Looking ahead, there’s, of course, Christmas, followed by New Year’s – and…

Will the first quarter of 2025 finally see a return of demand?

We are all so curious, what’s the next turn of the story

In the ongoing saga of service center inventory?

III.

Still, after Jan. 1, there’s another January date

That may have an influence on the prices of sheet and of plate…

IV.

The Tariffs are coming! The Tariffs are coming! It’s starting to feel

Like a man named the Donald will be influencing aluminum and steel.

Though he doesn’t wear a red suit, he often dons a red tie

And uses the English language in ways we know not why.

V.

Trade policy is a wild card, we don’t know what he will do

But remember this is the guy who put the teeth in Section 232.

So from Monterrey to Mumbai to the Canadian city of Regina

Heads are a scratching, What will he do about China?

VI.

Will he walk in like a hero and rescue the day,

Solving all the ills plaguing the USMCA?

What about CBAM, will there be a way through

To find carbon agreements as we deal with the EU?

VII.

Let’s not forget there are other issues afoot:

Will the longshoremen reach a pact or will the deal go kaput?

In Pittsburgh, the city of Mr. Rogers, there’s more than just labor,

Nippon Steel is still in town asking: Will you be my neighbor?

Editor’s note: For those not familiar with the pronunciation of Canadian cities… yes, Regina does in fact rhyme with China. For our US readers, it’s a nice piece of trivia to have up your sleeve.