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    Analysis

    May 5, 2026

    Final Thoughts: USMCA review ahead

    Written by Ethan Bernard

    The USMCA periodic review is set to begin in under two months. The North American trade pact, signed in 2020, has a significant impact on US commerce, particularly on steel. But Section 232 steel tariffs have changed the game. With negotiations kicking off in July, SMU will highlight key issues under debate.

    Actually, we’re going to give the floor to several North American steel associations in the form of a column. The Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA), the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), and the Canadian Steel Producers Association (CSPA) will each be doing a monthly column starting on Thursday as the review approaches.

    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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