Final Thoughts
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/media/k2/items/src/b7be91a77e49f6afed0d97acc89be0f9.jpg)
Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
February 9, 2018
Today is Feb. 11 and it has been one month since Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross sent his recommendation regarding Section 232 to the office of President Trump. Since then, there has been much speculation but nothing of substance as the industry waits for the president to remove the uncertainty.
Over the past week, I have been reaching out to steel traders to see what their thoughts are regarding Section 232 and other subjects. One trader told me, “It is impossible to run a business on no facts at all… We are not stopping but we are trading with our eyes wide open.” This trader told us that they have put language in their contracts that protects them should the government impose new duties. “You can go broke by doing nothing.”
So, as of Feb. 11, there are 59 days left before a decision must be made.
Speaking of days left – as of today there are 44 days left before our next Steel 101 workshop, which will be held in Merrillville, Ind., just outside of Chicago. We have a few spots left, and you can get more information on our website.
There are also 196 days before the beginning of our 8th SMU Steel Summit Conference. Registration is available on our website.
I will be in my office all week this week. Next week, I will be at the Port of Tampa Steel Conference. I do recommend the conference, which this year will have a few of our past Steel Summit speakers (and at least one current one) presenting. I look forward to seeing you there.
As always, your business is truly appreciated by all of us here at Steel Market Update.
John Packard, Publisher
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/john-packard.png)
John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in Final Thoughts
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/gears.png)
Final thoughts
Sheet prices didn’t roar back after Labor Day. But steel market news sure came out of the gate strong (or maybe chaotically is the better way to put it). First, the nearly $15-billion proposed sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel exploded into the news. And when I say exploded, I mean that all sides seem to be escalating things now.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/gears.png)
Final thoughts
Welcome back from Labor Day, from Steel Summit, and from whatever fun you might have had over the long weekend. Personally, I enjoyed camping with friends and family near Starved Rock. No one starved, there were no major injuries, and we enjoyed the many splendors of Mystical Fire. (Speaking of which, does that have industrial uses? But I digress.)
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/SMU-Steel-Summit.png)
Final thoughts
I want to say a huge ‘thank you’ from all of us at SMU to all of you (more than 1,500!) who attended Steel Summit this year. We appreciate you taking time out of busy schedules to join us – whether that was up on stage, submitting thoughtful questions, or catching up over a drink and bite to eat. Also, a bit shoutout to everyone at SMU and at CRU who made this event possible. It’s no understatement to say that we have a fantastic team.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/SMU-Steel-Summit.png)
Final thoughts
Day one and two of SMU's Steel Summit 2024 are officially in the books. We covered a lot of ground, and the agenda sure did deliver.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/SMU-Steel-Summit.png)
Final thoughts
The big show is just about here. SMU Steel Summit will be getting underway on Monday. Where does the networking begin? I’d say at the airport. So don’t forget your business cards. And it can't hurt to wear a company golf shirt.