Minnesota Miners Weather Steel Industry’s Turbulence, Yet Hold Faith in Trump’s Tariffs

Introduction
The steel industry in Minnesota’s Iron Range is facing a crisis, with miners struggling to keep their jobs amid a decline in demand and a trade war. But despite the economic downturn, a faction of the workforce remains steadfast in its support for President Trump’s tariffs, a move that could shape the industry’s future.

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The Iron Range’s Steel Downturn
Minnesota’s Iron Range, home to the Mountain Iron mine, has long been a hub for steel production. The mine, owned by Cleveland-Cliffs, generates a significant portion of the state’s steel output, which is then shipped to manufacturing plants. However, a 2024 downturn in demand for automobiles and appliances

driven by global economic uncertainty

has crippled the industry.

The mine’s financial struggles are stark: Cleveland-Cliffs reported a $483 million loss in the first three months of 2025, leaving 1,200 employees, including Jon Bird, a 33-year-old miner, on the brink of unemployment. Bird, who worked 12-hour shifts at the mine, said he was laid off via a breaking news segment on local TV, a “hell of a way to find out” his job was at risk.

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Cleveland-Cliffs’ Financial Struggles
The mine’s losses are part of a broader trend in the steel sector. Steel production in the U.S. has declined by 3% in 2024, with demand for vehicles and appliances remaining weak. Cleveland-Cliffs, one of the largest steel producers in the U.S., has seen its market value drop by 15% in the past year, according to the company’s annual report.

The mine’s operations rely on a domestic supply chain, with ore extracted and processed into steel, which is then shipped globally. However, increased competition from China and other steel-producing nations, combined with rising import duties, has pressured prices. This has led to a 12% drop in steel production in 2024, according to the U.S. Steel Association.

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Union Support for Trump’s Tariffs
Despite the economic turmoil, Cleveland-Cliffs and its workers are uniting behind President Trump’s tariffs. The 25% steel and aluminum import tax, along with a 25% tariff on imported cars, has become a rallying point for the union.

Jon Bird, who has supported Trump’s policies since his youth, said, “We’re not just surviving; we’re fighting for our future.” The union’s support for tariffs is seen as a strategic move to counterbalance the pressure from global competitors.

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A Future Uncertain
The steel industry’s future remains uncertain. While tariffs could protect domestic steel producers from foreign competition, they may also strain the company’s profitability. Cleveland-Cliffs’ CEO, Jim Elias, has acknowledged the challenges, stating, “We’re navigating a complex landscape, but our commitment to quality and innovation remains unwavering.”

The mine’s workers, however, are not resigned. They view the tariffs as a chance to secure their jobs and livelihoods. “We’re not just dealing with a crisis,” Bird said. “We’re building a future with Trump’s policies.”

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Conclusion
Minnesota’s miners are facing a tough economic environment, but their resilience and support for Trump’s tariffs highlight a broader trend: the intersection of industrial challenges and political strategy. As the steel industry grapples with global competition and domestic demand, the miners’ stance underscores the fragile balance between economic survival and political influence. Whether the tariffs will stabilize the industry or exacerbate its struggles remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the workers are determined to fight for their future.

Source: New York Times Business