Cleveland-Cliffs, a major steelmaker, plans to indefinitely idle three steel plants in Pennsylvania and Illinois due to low demand and pricing issues, particularly for products like high carbon steel sheets. This decision will impact approximately 950 workers, although the company emphasizes that its flat-rolled steel production will remain unaffected. Prior to this, Cleveland-Cliffs had announced the idling of iron ore mines in Minnesota and a steel plant in Michigan, citing weak automotive production as a contributing factor. Despite current shutdowns, the company is optimistic about resuming operations in Dearborn, Michigan, once President Trump's policies take effect and automotive production is re-shored. Additionally, Cleveland-Cliffs plans to restart its blast furnace in Cleveland, which has been inactive since last year.

Cleveland-Cliffs is set to idle three steel plants in Pennsylvania and Illinois due to low demand and pricing for certain steel products, affecting about 950 workers. The shutdowns are not related to tariffs imposed by President Trump.

The specific products affected by the idling include rail, specialty plate, and high-carbon sheet, which are not central to Cleveland-Cliffs' core business focus.

The idling is scheduled to commence around June 30, following a legally required 60-day notice period, and is described as a temporary but indefinite measure.

Recent announcements from Cleveland-Cliffs include plans to idle or partially idle two iron ore mines in Minnesota, impacting 630 workers, and a steel plant in Dearborn, Michigan, affecting about 600 workers, due to weak automotive production.

Cleveland-Cliffs expresses hope that once Trump's policies take full effect and automotive production is re-shored, operations at the Dearborn plant could resume.

The company also plans to restart its blast furnace in Cleveland, which was idled last year, indicating a potential positive outlook for future production.

The company's flat-rolled steel production is stated to remain unaffected by these plant closures, signaling a strategic focus on maintaining core production capabilities.