U.S. Steel Resumes Plant Construction Because of Tariffs

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): U.S. Steel is restarting construction on a mill in Alabama, a move the company attributed in part to “strong trade actions” by the Trump administration.

The company suspended construction of an electric arc furnace steelmaking facility in Fairfield, Ala., in 2015 because of “unfavorable market conditions.” But with those conditions changing as a result of the 25 percent tariffs that the administration imposed on steel imports in 2017, it decided to resume work on the plant.

“Thanks to the president’s strong trade actions and improved market conditions, support from the United Steelworkers and incentives from the state of Alabama and the Jefferson County Commission, we are excited to add EAF capabilities to our company’s footprint and provide sustainable tubular solutions for our customers,” U.S. Steel President and CEO David Burritt said.

The facility is expected to have a capacity of 1.6 million tons and to employ about 150 people. Production is expected to begin in late-2020.

Courtesy: AIIS