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    Analysis

    Ethan Bernard, SMU Team

    May 13, 2025

    Final Thoughts

    Written by Ethan Bernard

    One unexpected benefit to President Trump’s tariffs is it will cure you of any vestiges of perfectionism. Please note that’s “perfectionism,” not “protectionism.” That is, once you think you’ve got it all mapped out… a post lands on Truth Social, there’s an offhand remark at an executive order signing, or you might just wake up to whole different world entirely.

    The day when the final “i” is dotted and “t” crossed is getting farther and farther away from “Liberation Day.” There’s a lot of furious paperwork going on all across the world. I hope someone is getting paid hourly for this, or, even better, by the word.

    Ethan Bernard

    Ethan Bernard is managing 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

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