The Knowledge Tree

As concerns regarding Coronavirus continue to impact many aspects of our personal and professional lives, we wanted to reach out and let you know the steps we are taking in response to this pandemic. As always, the health and safety of our employees and customers is our top priority. With these growing health concerns, O’Neal… Read More

The Latest on Coronavirus, Its Impact on the Economy and the Industrial Metals Sector As most are certainly aware, the coronavirus has rattled markets, lawmakers, health officials, and the industrial metals industry. Last week culminated in an announcement by the World Health Organization (WHO) that it was raising its risk assessment of the coronavirus to… Read More

U.S. Consumer Spending Rises Steadily; Inflation Remains Tame U.S. consumer spending rose steadily in December, but tepid income gains pointed to moderate consumption growth this year, which together with slumping business investment likely set the economy on a slower growth path this year. While the report on January 31 from the Commerce Department also showed… Read More

U.S., China Expect to Sign Phase One Trade Deal in Mid-January As The Associated Press reported on January 2, President Donald Trump has announced that he will sign the first phase of a U.S.-China trade agreement at the White House in mid-January. Vice Premier Liu He will travel to Washington, D.C. to sign the agreement… Read More

Steel Imports Soar By 34.6% In October Steel import permit applications rose to 2.56 million tons in October, according to the U.S. Commerce Department’s most recent Steel Import Monitoring Analysis data. That’s a 29.2% increase from the 1.98 million tons permitted in September and a 34.6% increase from the 1.9 million tons of steel actually imported… Read More

Industry News Senate To Resume Consideration Of Transportation Funding Bill Legislation that would provide funding in fiscal 2020 for federal transportation agencies is among the measures set for consideration in the U.S. Senate on October 28. Floor managers have scheduled consideration of the bill. The Senate’s version would provide $74.3 billion for transportation infrastructure programs,… Read More