Contributor: Ethan Bernard

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.

Domestic mill shipments rise in June: AISI

US steel shipments increased month over month and year over year in June, according to the latest figures from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).

SunCoke completes Phoenix Global buy

SunCoke Energy completed its previously announced $325-million acquisition of Phoenix Global on Friday, Aug. 1.

Olympic remains acquisitive despite Q2 earnings slide

Olympic Steel's earnings fell in the second quarter amid an "unprecedented" environment in the metals industry.

Final Thoughts

We're less than a month out from Steel Summit 2025. Have you already signed up?

Trump exempts Brazilian pig iron, iron ore ahead of deadline, 10% tariff remains

The Trump administration has exempted Brazilian pig iron and iron ore from an aggressive "reciprocal" tariff ahead of the Aug. 1 deadline.

Ryerson profits fall in Q2 on low demand

Ryerson’s earnings slumped in the second quarter amid “recessed” demand.

Steel groups voice different takes on US-EU trade deal

US and European steel trade groups were at odds over their reaction to the recent trade deal President Trump brokered with the EU.

Trump says Canada deal might not happen: Report

President Trump said a negotiated deal with Canada might not occur, and all existing tariffs, along with those set to take effect soon, will stay in place, according to media reports.

Despite trade chaos, Barry Schneider upbeat on SDI, steel

With 30 years of experience at Steel Dynamics, Barry Schneider reflects on the company and the state of the steel industry.

Steel trade groups applaud Trump's S232 tariffs

Five trade organizations involved with North American steel have praised President Trump’s Section 232 tariffs on steel for helping the domestic industry.

Final Thoughts

Is there any clarity to be hoped for on the tariff front?

SDI concerned with potential Brazil pig iron tariffs

Steel Dynamics Inc. (SDI) executives called a 50% tariff on Brazilian pig iron “concerning,” but think tariffs will be a “mainstay” of trade agreements going forward.

SDI earnings slip in Q2 as trade volatility hits customer orders

SDI profits slipped in second quarter amid trade policy volatility.

Final Thoughts

What to look out for regarding ferrous scrap ahead of Steel Summit.

China hits out at Canadian tariff actions

The Chinese government has threatened countermeasures on Canada following the Canadian government's announcement on curbing steel imports, according to media reports.

Canadian PM moves to put tighter check on steel imports

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced new measures to limit steel imports into the country.

Algoma sees narrower Q2 loss but feels tariff sting

Algoma Steel expects a narrower sequential loss in the second quarter, but the company continues to be impacted by the US tariff situation.

Final Thoughts

Is outer space steel's final frontier?

Nucor keeps HR price at $910/ton

Nucor is holding its list price for spot hot-rolled coil at $910 per short ton (st), unchanged since June 30.

SMU Scrap Survey: Sentiment Indices rise

Both current and future scrap sentiment jumped this month, though survey participants reported responses before key trade news was announced.

HRC vs. busheling spread widens again in July

The price spread between prime scrap and hot-rolled coil widened marginally again in July.

Toyota Tsusho completes buy of Radius Recycling

Japan’s Toyota Tsusho Corp. has completed its previously announced acquisition of Radius Recycling.

US scrap tags sideways, but will tariffs on Brazil lift prices in August?

Ferrous scrap prices are flat in the US for a second consecutive month, but tariffs on imports of Brazilian pig iron could change the game in August.

Final Thoughts

Are we on the cusp of sorting out the tariff situation, or is this merely another round in the bout?

Steel groups welcome passage of budget bill

Steel trade groups praised the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) in Congress on Thursday.

Triple-S closes on American Stainless Tubing buy

Triple-S Steel Holdings has closed on its previously announced acquisition of American Stainless Tubing.

Global Steel Climate Council certifies eight SDI, ASA HR products

GSCC certifies eight products from Steel Dynamics and Arkansas Steel Associates.

Final Thoughts

What's going to be the next big thing in steel?

Cliffs idles Steelton, Riverdale, and Conshohocken operations

Cliffs has idled facilities in Riverdale, Ill., and Conshohocken and Steelton, Pa.

GE Appliances announces $490M reshoring project in Kentucky

GE Appliances announces $490-million reshoring project in Kentucky.