Final Thoughts
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Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
March 28, 2018
I don’t know how to keep up with the changing winds associated with President Trump when it comes to trade, trade negotiations and the Section 232 tariffs (or threats of tariffs). According to Bloomberg, Trump said that he may delay the revamped trade agreement reached with South Korea that includes a quota and permanent exclusion on exports of steel into the United States. Bloomberg quoted Trump: “I may hold it up until after a deal is made with North Korea. You know why? Because it’s a very strong card, and I want to make sure everyone is treated fairly and we’re moving along very nicely with North Korea.”
It has been a hectic week here in Chicago. We had an exceptional group for one of our Steel 101 workshops, and I want to thank NLMK USA for hosting us at their Portage steel facility and assisting us in hosting last night’s networking and dinner for our group.
It has been a long day and week, so I am going to cut it short this evening. Have a wonderful Good Friday.
As always, your business is truly appreciated by all of us here at Steel Market Update.
John Packard, Publisher
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John Packard
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Final Thoughts
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Final Thoughts
To say we’ve entered a “Brave New World” since Jan. 20 might be an exaggeration, but we’ve definitely entered a different one.
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Final Thoughts
I think it’s fair to say that the last few weeks – and last week especially – have been among the most intense for any of us covering steel (or aluminum).
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Final Thoughts
A look at how SMU survey respondents are reacting to President Trump's recent actions on tariffs.
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Final Thoughts
A lot of the changes basically entail rolling back what I’ll call, for fun, Section 232 Lite. S232 Lite resulted from watering down what I’ll call OG S232 – the one first imposed in March 2018 - with exemptions and exclusions over the years. Now, OG Section 232, is back with its across-the-board 25% tariffs against everyone.