Our current business outlook is not very optimistic with regard to new construction. The oil sector is in limbo and until we see a change in the current governments, both provincially and federally, I do not see this improving. We will continue to see projects being priced, as in the past, but the placing of orders will likely remain somewhat dormant until there is confidence in our newly elected officials. As well, the uncertainty of the market due to the fact that we are now facing dumping charges on imports of offshore steel products. I am sure that in order to gain favor with the electorate there will be a number of announcements of projects over the next while to try and sway voters (my personal views).

Our industry is still experiencing the volatility of the steel pricing war that is going on between the US and Canada. We, as an industry, need to continue to stand strong and protect ourselves from the market pricing. On another note, there is now one factory in China which is CSA A660 certified and is shipping buildings into Canada. I have been told that there is another one working on it as well. With the summer finally upon us, it’s time to recharge the batteries and get ready for the fall on slot of bidding and orders, or am I just dreaming again?

Our industry is in for a very interesting year in 2018. The volatility of the steel pricing could or will impact what we will be bidding on over the next while. With the US implementing dumping charges and the steel suppliers experiencing shortages, we will be in for a roller coaster ride. As in the past, it will soften over time but we need to be diligent in how we react to all of the different reports we will be seeing.