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    Analysis

    Ethan Bernard, SMU Team

    January 6, 2026

    Final Thoughts

    Written by Ethan Bernard

    Here we are at the first SMU issue of 2026. We all know that 2025 was a crazy year (tariff bingo, anyone?). Luckily, the first week of 2026 has shown this year promises a return to humdrum business as usual, with all quiet on the geopolitical front. Well, maybe not…

    In any case, we all know: When your only tool is a hammer, everything looks like… the Tampa Steel Conference. Wait, did I just say Tampa Steel Conference? We’re getting close to just one month away. And there’s still time to sign up here.

    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.

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