Why Cleveland-Cliffs, Steel Dynamics, and Nucor Corp Are Surging Today (Hint: It Has to Do With President Trump)

Group 1 - Steel stocks surged following the announcement of increased tariffs on steel and aluminum from 25% to 50% by the Trump administration, with Cleveland-Cliffs shares rising approximately 26% [1] - Other steel companies also experienced significant stock price increases, with Steel Dynamics and Nucor shares jumping around 11% and 10.5% respectively [1] - The announcement was made during a rally at a U.S. Steel factory, coinciding with the potential union between U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel, which Trump assured would not involve layoffs [2][3] Group 2 - The increase in tariffs is expected to raise the price of U.S.-made steel, benefiting companies like Cleveland-Cliffs, Steel Dynamics, and Nucor, with benchmark steel prices rising from $725 per metric ton to $875 per metric ton since Trump took office [4] - Cleveland-Cliffs has faced challenges, including a failed acquisition attempt of U.S. Steel and a lowered full-year guidance due to higher costs and lower demand perceptions [6][7] - Analysts indicate that Cleveland-Cliffs is more highly leveraged compared to its peers, making its stock more sensitive to fluctuations in steel prices [7] Group 3 - There is uncertainty regarding the permanence of the 50% tariff level, with potential countermeasures from the European Union in response to the U.S. tariff increase [8] - The administration may seek trade deals after a 90-day tariff pause, and if tariffs become an obstacle, there is a possibility of reverting to the previous 25% rate [8] - Investors are advised to consider less-leveraged companies like Nucor and Steel Dynamics for exposure to the steel industry, as Cleveland-Cliffs may be adversely affected if tariffs are reduced [8]