A Rough Start?

This year started out with a bang—and not necessarily a good one—for those of us in the steel industry. After the Biden administration put the brakes on the Nippon Steel acquisition of U.S. Steel, and wildfires ravaged California, and uncertainties loomed about the scope and breadth of tariffs and immigration policies, there were concerns about both the short and long-term viability of our industry. However, in my discussions with SFIA members, there seems to be a relative calm: confidence and optimism for 2025 and beyond. Here are some of the reasons they cite, as well as some of my thoughts on the coming year.

Whether you love or hate Trump, there is a consensus that his policies have been, and will be, good for small businesses in the short term. Most of the SFIA members qualify as small businesses, and many of our corporate leaders are upbeat about opportunities for the next few years. The association is concerned about the burdens and costs that regulations are putting on construction and applaud efforts to reduce unnecessary regulations, while maintaining protections on American manufacturing, American workers, and the global environment.