It’s been a challenging few weeks for all manufacturing since our last issue in March, especially for those working in the heavy engineering sector. The imposing of steep metal tariffs for those exporting to the US has sent shock waves throughout the steel and aluminium sectors and supporting industries as companies look for ways to cushion the financial impact. The worry is that this will not only affect sales from the rest of the world to the US but that it could result in a barrage of underpriced steel entering the UK and EU from foreign sellers, looking to replace their traditional US market.

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Many regions will be impacted by the tariffs amid looming trade wars as countries clamber to negotiate exemptions or impose counter measures on imports from the US. Many regions have been further penalised, including Australia which has been hit with a tariff of at least ten per cent on all exports to the US. It’s another heavy blow for industry with the unfolding repercussions to be felt in the coming weeks and months. In this issue we look at some of our end markets, including steel, and consider the latest trends. Note that these reports were prepared prior to the latest developments concerning global tariffs.

On a positive note, we highlight ways in which our sector is working towards a common goal of net zero and how our energy may be sourced in a different manner in the future. Whatever happens, this remains a priority and there is much innovation surrounding this. To get involved with The Refractories Engineer and gain a wide range of collective benefits, why not consider a corporate partnership with the Institute of Refractories Engineers. This is your industry, so
help us to help shape its future. Contact secretary@ireng.org for more details.

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