The 2025 Government Affairs Conference was a fantastic success, with the highest attendance in 10 years, and a great speaker line-up. AWPA members visited legislators on Capitol Hill, and promoted the steel wire industry to almost 50 offices this year. If you weren’t there, here’s some of what you missed.

Wednesday began with productive committee meetings, followed by a well attended rooftop reception at the Royal Sonesta. The event was marked by strong engagement, lively conversation, and a sense of momentum that carried through the rest of the week’s program.

Thursday began early with a jam-packed General Session. Tim Becker, AWPA President, began his opening remarks with a re-affirmation of the week’s theme of ‘Advancing a Stronger Wire Industry,’ reflecting not only the work the AWPA is doing on Capitol Hill, but also our updated Mission and Vision (more info on that to come).

The speaker line-up began with Michael Stumo, Associate Director, Economic Policy and Made in America Office, White House. He began with a short history of tariffs, and described how the Trump Administration is working to transition the US from a consuming economy back to a producing economy. He noted the Administration sees tariffs as a tool for not only protection of US industry, but as a source of revenue, a point of leverage in foreign policy, and a mechanism for rebalancing the economy.

During the question and answer session, he indicated that this is the time for American manufacturing to take advantage of the change in policy, and his Office would be open to supporting companies however it can.

Representative Pat Harrigan, from North Carolina’s 10th District, spoke to the group next, highlighting the critical links between trade policy, tariffs, and national security. As the owner of a manufacturing facility in North Carolina, he brought an additional perspective to the current trade goals of the Administration and Congress.

Rep. Harrigan recognized that while tariffs can protect domestic industries, they also create challenges for manufacturers who rely on global supply chains. He noted that the Administration continues to evaluate how to strike the right balance—ensuring American jobs and industries are shielded from unfair competition while keeping U.S. companies competitive abroad.

He  stressed the importance of the current Administration’s attempts to create truly fair markets, while acknowledging manufacturers’ concerns about shifting regulations. He and noted ongoing efforts on trade enforcement legislation designed to better address current economic realities.

He also connected these economic policies directly to national security. A strong and resilient manufacturing sector, he argued, is not only essential to economic prosperity but also to ensuring the U.S. can respond to global crises and maintain technological leadership.

Harrigan concluded by encouraging the group to continue their advocacy, and reinforcing that manufacturing voices are vital in shaping policies that affect both the economy and national security.

Connor Lokar wrapped up the general Session with a rundown of the latest economic data, and a view of what to expect going forward in 2026.

Connor has been to the Government Affairs Conference every year since 2021, so he has a great track record to reflect on each year. Last year’s forecast was right on track, even given the chaotic environment. If you didn’t take his advice last year, you don’t have much time left to take advantage of current conditions.

While providing detailed information on scrap and wire & cable pricing trends, and everything from interest rates to the effects of the US national debt, Connor says the economy will continue to grow through 2026, noting the US is still the number one destination of foreign direct investment. He said leading indicators show that now is the time to plan for future contraction. Lock in fixed rates for 5-7 years if you must use leverage, and use the next 12-18 months to develop a prolonged inflation strategy. According to Connor the US will weather the coming depression of the 2030s better than any other country – focus your efforts on preparation.

Then it was time to head to Capitol Hill.

This year we had AWPA members go on visits to almost 50 Congressional offices. Ten of these meetings involved the Member of Congress, in addition to the usual staffers.

If you missed it and are interested in our messaging, you can download our advocacy package below, and see how AWPA members are speaking up for the US Steel Wire Industry and educating Congress on the importance of domestically produced steel wire products to the economy and national security.

We thanked legislators for their previous support and spoke out for trade enforcement legislation. Members discussed the need to expand the SIMA program, and how current trade policy is affecting their business.

We are already planning next year’s Hill Visits. Watch your inbox for more information on next year’s meeting.

You can see the AWPA’s Advocacy materials here.

Friday wrapped up with a debriefing on Hill Visits, and a presentation from Phil Bell, President of the Steel Manufacturers Association. He gave a great roundup of how the current 232 Tariff policy  stands today, and how it is affecting the steel industry, how the inclusion of more downstream products in the 232 Tariff program is helping the domestic markets, and how the Administration is likely to proceed with trade negotiations going forward (don’t expect any Tariff Rate Quota agreements). His presentation highlighted the areas where the Rod Producers and the Wire Producers goals align. We thank Optimus Steel for bringing Phil Bell to speak through their sponsorship.

If you haven’t already marked your calendar for the March Annual Meeting, do it now. You won’t want to miss being part of the next meeting and the momentum AWPA is generating.