Makers of steel grain storage bins and grain drying equipment, such as Superior Grain Equipment which operates in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana are complaining of steel mills taking advantage of tariffs and “creating a fairly false sense of demand.”
Josh Rauser, operations manager at the firm, stated in a news report, “Steel prices are the highest they have ever been.” They have historically used US steel suppliers due to assurance for tempering, galvanizing and gauge standards. Additionally, Rauser warns of the potential for foreign competitors to enter this niche market in the US that serves US farmers as a result of the high steel prices.