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    Analysis

    August 8, 2025

    SMU Survey: Buyers remain leery of tariffs, but more see reshoring happening

    Written by Kristen DiLandro

    SMU latest steel-market survey reveals that steel market participants are weary of tariffs and are awaiting evidence of progress in reshoring.

    In March, when blanket Section 232 tariffs of 25% went into effect, 29% of survey respondents thought the tariffs were helpful. This week, the number answering affirmatively is only 13% – which tracks with generally lower support for tariffs since ‘Liberation Day’ and the introduction of ‘reciprocal’ tariffs in April.

    Kristen DiLandro

    Kristen DiLandro is a reporter for Steel Market Update. Kristen focuses on the micro and macro steel market conditions informing North American spot prices. Following her agency career in advertising, she attained an MFA in Writing from Savannah College of Art and Design. Kristen can be reached at kristen@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-221-8143.

    Read more from Kristen DiLandro

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