NWI's steel industry produces $18.2 billion worth of economic output a year

In the neighboring 2nd Congressional District, which includes much of LaPorte County and the ArcelorMittal facilities in New Carlisle, the steel industry generates $1.6 billion in economic activity, employs another 3,800 workers, and pays $304 million in payroll. 

Nationally, the steel industry supports 2 million jobs, contributes $520 billion to the economy, pays $130 billion in wages and benefits and pays $56 billion in federal, state and local taxes, according to The Economic Impact of the American Iron and Steel Industry study. The domestic steel industry's largest trade association commissioned the study in an effort to justify the Section 232 tariffs of 25 percent on most foreign-made steel and to call for other steel industry-friendly policies.

“The American iron and steel industry is a dynamic part of the U.S. economy. This comprehensive analysis provides detailed geographic breakdowns, including at the congressional district level, and is the most accurate snapshot of the full breadth of the economic impact of today’s American iron and steel industry,” AISI President and CEO Thomas Gibson said. “The results illustrate why strong, pro-manufacturing policies are needed to ensure the sustainability of an industry with such an impactful employment base and robust economic footprint.”

The iron and steel industry employs 387,000 workers directly, and supports another 716,000 supplier jobs, according to the study, which crunched industry and government data. The steel industry itself cranks out $207 billion in economic output a year, while suppliers of iron ore and other inputs chipped in another $173 billion.

In Indiana, the steel industry generates $26.8 billion in economic output and employs 37,649 workers who earn $3.8 billion in direct wages a year. In neighboring Illinois, the steel sector produces $11.7 billion in economic output, employing 25,238 workers who collectively bring home $2.2 billion in direct wages.