Final Thoughts

Some also expressed hope that President Trump would continue the infrastructure spending that began under former President Biden.

You’ll see that of those who favor tariffs, many are most concerned about Chinese steel or steel-intensive goods moving through other countries (and in particular Mexico) before crossing into the US.

Most also want Trump to approve Nippon Steel’s acquisition of U.S. Steel. (Most SMU readers, um, didn’t love that Biden blocked it.). But whatever the merits of the potential $15-billion acquisition, they also see the deal as less likely to happen now.

Anyway, enough of my words. Here are replies from some of you to the question:

“What do you want the Trump administration to prioritize from day one when it comes to steel?”

Survey says… Bring the tariffs!

“American-made first!”

“Tariffs on USMCA steel.”

“Keeping imports out of the USA – or limiting them.”

“Limit China steel goods produced in Mexico.”

“Stop the laundering of Chinese steel through Mexico and other countries – including Chinese parts and sub-assemblies used in the USA for downstream OEMs.”

“Domestic manufacturing and the trade deficit with China.”

“Controlling Mexican dumping that uses pass-through shipments from China.”

“Tightening the border on Chinese imports that come indirectly into the US.”

But don’t hit our neighbors too hard

“A moderate approach on tariffs, not dive into the max.”

“Don’t put tariffs on steel from Canada.”

“Support the USMCA to stabilize steel products within North America.”

“Getting Canada and Mexico deals done.”

Tariffs aren’t the only tool

“Emphasize quotas rather than tariffs.”

“Make it easier to start projects.”

“Encourage more American manufacturing.”

“Top three: Border security, infrastructure, and energy.”

“Clarify the conditions for tariffs.”

“Lower interest rates.”

“Stimulate business in general as well as infrastructure.”

“Infrastructure.”

OK the Nippon-U.S. Steel deal

“Work on getting a deal done for U.S. Steel.”

“The sale of U.S. Steel.”

“Allow Nippon to buy USS.”

“Most likely it won’t happen, but they should approve the sale of USS to Nippon.”

“I’d love to see the USS/Nippon deal happen, but that is a longshot at this moment.”

“Approving the Nippon-USS deal. Incentivizing domestic production.”

Don’t forget about steel consumers

“Actions that will support vs. squeeze the OEM/manufacturing space.”

“To wait and decide the best situation for all participants. End-users need competitive steel prices, not closed markets.”

“Focus tariffs on downstream products too.”

Keep D.C. out of steel

“Nothing. Stay out of it.”

“Stay out of it.”

“Minimize tariffs.”

Stay tuned for more

Those comments came from folks who participated in our steel market survey this week. Thanks to all of you who provided your feedback. Our premium subscribers will get the full survey results on Friday afternoon. Information like that is a good reason to consider upgrading from an executive subscription to a premium one. If you’d like to do – or if you’d like to participate in our survey – please reach out to us at info@steelmarketupdate.com.

Tampa Steel Conference

We’ve been working on the agenda for the Tampa Steel Conference, which we organized along with Port Tampa Bay, since the moment Steel Summit wrapped up in August.

The event starts on Feb. 2. It’s not too late to make plans to go. You can see the agenda and register here. I know, some of you – even in parts of Florida – are dealing with snow-covered palm trees and logistics snarls galore. The good news? The weather should be a lot better come early February!

Also, it’s not too early to register for Steel Summit on Aug. 25-27. (I’ve already booked my hotel.) Stay tuned for the agenda. In the meantime, you can reserve your spot here.