Final Thoughts
February 13, 2019
Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
Earlier this week I was at the Port of Tampa Steel Conference as I was asked to be the master of ceremonies, and I also moderated the two main panels on Wednesday morning. Both panels dealt with trade issues with the primary focus being on the Section 232 tariffs on steel. The Port of Tampa has, over the years, been a major destination for foreign steel. Especially steels used in the construction industries. The conference attracted 270 people, trading companies, end users, service centers, logistics companies, both land and sea.
Being the moderator put me at a bit of a disadvantage as I was not able to jot down my usual notes as the panels discussed their views on trade policies. Our SMU Steel Summit Conference will get to see a couple of the speakers; Phil Bell, president of the Steel Manufacturers Association, and Paul Lowrey, president of Steel Research Associates, will be speaking to our conference later this year. Bell will be handling his trade duties as we dissect where 232, 301, AD/CVD, USMCA (NAFTA 2.0) and whatever else comes our way come late August.
