NOLA port and U.S. steel decisions

Seven days a week, Port of New Orleans union dock workers line up according to seniority in hopes of securing work for the day at a hiring center near the Mississippi River. It’s never certain when a ship will dock at the port, and there are fears more workers could soon be turned away if fewer steel boats arrive at the port. The Trump administration is considering tariffs and/or restrictions on foreign steel coming into the U.S. that may make those imports more expensive, and help American steelmakers, which have struggled under cheap foreign prices. But with all things coming out of the nation’s Capitol, the consequences of restrictions may create winners and losers. More than 100,000 U.S. workers who manufacture steel and steel products could be helped if imports slow, and the price of steel rises. About one million workers make cars and car parts, while tens of thousands of dockworkers move goods at ports around the U.S. The Port of New Orleans and its surrounding network employ some 4,000 workers. (Source: Washington Post 08/18/17) A draft of a Port NOLA Master Plan, expected out this coming fall, will lay out a vision for 20 years into the future with a roadmap for growth, including recommendations for capital investments, operational changes, policies and strategic initiatives.