Business Sector

Good for Business. Better for All.

Steel is the framework that holds American businesses together, both structurally and economically. Small business to large corporations. Private sector to public sector. Entrepreneurs to investors. SMA members are deeply involved in building and maintaining these relationships to help promote free enterprise, fair trade and job creation.

The Real Cost of Foreign Steel.

Not all steel is produced with the same level of integrity. Much of the steel imported to the U.S. is produced at a lower cost because it is not held to the same standards as American EAF steel. Which begs the question––Where are they cutting corners?

Lower Quality

Steel imports often vary in grade because of the unregulated levels of alloys and other elements used in production. This can result in steel that is cheaper to produce, but weaker in strength.

Less Safe

Unlike American steel, not all foreign steel is required to go through the same level of testing for strength and carbon emissions.

Unfair Labor

Low wages. No health insurance. No workers’ rights. Unregulated work environments. These are just a few of the many reasons foreign steel producers are able to drive down cost.

The American Steel Standard: A Cut Above

Greener

New steel products from domestic steelmakers typically contain over 90% recycled content.

Safer

Safety is our top priority. SMA members provide an environment where a strong safety culture drives the health and wellness of our workforce.

More Efficient

Innovative technologies and investments allow many SMA member companies to produce steel at less than 1 man-hour per ton.

Economic Impact

Strength. Support. Stability. These physical qualities of steel are what EAF steel has provided the American economy for decades — through jobs, salaries and domestic investment.

Our members directly and indirectly generate two million jobs in North America.

$80K

The average total compensation (wages and benefits) of SMA member employees is $80,000.

$15.7B

Domestic steelmakers have announced more than $15.7 billion dollars in new or upgraded steel facilities.

Recycling by the Numbers

706,086

tons/year (avg)*

*2018 study of recycled scrap steel
**2018 study of recycled household waste

0.847

tons/year (avg)**

Carbon in Contrast

0.2 tons

of GHG/ton of steel*

*2019 study of EAF Greenhouse Gas Emissions
**2019 study of Blast Furnace Greenhouse Gas Emissions

1.7 tons