I’m not sure exactly how foreign governments are making it so hard for American steel producers, but I think I get the basics of it. Here’s what I know. Or at least, what I think I know.
1. One of the big steel producers at the convention last month said, “Part of the reason for the mess we’re in is China.” Read the rest of this entry »
It didn’t occur to me before the steel convention just how much American steel producers are connected to American auto producers. But of course. It only makes perfect sense.
During the convention, a lot was made about the ailing American auto manufacturers. GM and Chrysler and Ford, the “big three” automakers, aren’t exactly having a great year. Two of ’em are bankrupt. The third is Ford, so that’s not much better. Read the rest of this entry »
After a brief delay I’m back to finish addressing my notes from the steel convention I attended in May.
The term “Cap And Trade” was talked about a lot by these steel producers. I must confess, I don’t know enough about it to know what it means without looking it up. But they mentioned it enough, and clearly hated it (by referring to it derogitorially as “Cap And Tax”) enough that I figured it must be pretty important. So here’s what it is. Read the rest of this entry »
At the steel convention (see the previous post), another interesting topic that was addressed during a panel discussion with bosses from some of the biggest steel producers in the world was how American manufacturing doesn’t get the respect it deserves.
The point was made by the biggest boss from the biggest of companies. Sure, he’s got a horse in the race. But he’s also got a perspective that’s pretty different than my own, so I figured I should listen. Read the rest of this entry »
Last month–centuries in blog time–I photographed a convention of steel manufacturers. Major American steel manufacturers. Big ones.
They don’t like China.
I learned lots of things at that event, but I can’t say I learned anything as much as how complex the whole protectionism/buy-American argument can be. Read the rest of this entry »
Bye, American 