Community Events
April 17, 2026
Written by Stephanie Ritenbaugh
The construction market is seeing activity from data centers and the energy infrastructure to support them.
But other factors are dragging the sector down: The Iran war is spiking inflation; tariffs are driving up material costs; and immigration crackdowns are hurting labor.
Fresh off SMU Steel Summit 2026, we are already looking ahead to Tampa. Join industry peers on March 7–9, 2027, for the 38th annual Tampa Steel Conference in Tampa, Florida. The event brings together steel producers, distributors, service centers, ports, logistics providers, and market experts to connect, exchange perspectives, and take the pulse of the […]
This October, SMU is introducing a new way to keep you informed on the latest steel market news and insights: the Daily Digest. Beginning in mid-October, our new Daily Digest will replace the three newsletters currently delivered each week.
Vehicle affordability pressures are limiting growth in vehicle volumes, according to Mark Strand, deputy chief economist at Cox Automotive. SUVs, fleet activity, and aftermarket work could support steel demand, he told the audience last week at Steel Summit 2026 in Atlanta.
Panelists on the trade panel at SMU Steel Summit 2026 reflect on issues affecting the industry.
Data center construction is supporting US nonresidential construction activity and steel demand, according to Eric Gaus of Dodge Construction Network.