Cleveland-Cliffs (NYSE:CLF) Faces 11% Drop Over U.S. Trade Tariff Concerns

Cleveland-Cliffs (NYSE:CLF) experienced an 11% price decline over the past week. This movement occurred amidst broader market volatility, as stocks fluctuated widely due to investor anxieties surrounding upcoming U.S. trade tariffs. While Cleveland-Cliffs's decline stands out, the market overall has also faced downward pressure, declining by 3% in the last week. The broader market uncertainty, fueled by concerns over economic growth and new trade barriers, likely influenced investor sentiment towards CLF as well. Despite these challenges, Cleveland-Cliffs remains exposed to global economic conditions, which can impact its stock performance significantly in such uncertain scenarios.

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The past five years have seen Cleveland-Cliffs achieve a total return, including share price and dividends, of 102.96%. However, the company has struggled recently, underperforming compared to the US Metals and Mining industry, which saw a negative 3.5% return over the past year. Several factors have shaped this performance. The acquisition of Stelco is expected to generate synergies worth $120 million by the end of 2025, promising efficiency benefits. In the political arena, 25% tariffs on steel imports have augmented domestic demand, enhancing revenue prospects.

Challenging domestic conditions, evidenced by a decline in automotive sector demand during 2024 and significant net losses, have placed pressure on Cleveland-Cliffs. Despite recent financial setbacks, including a US$754 million net loss for full-year 2024, the company's strategic issuance of US$850 million in notes aims to secure financial stability. Meanwhile, ongoing attempts to acquire assets like United States Steel Corp. underscore Cleveland-Cliffs' efforts to solidify its industry position.

Dive into the specifics of Cleveland-Cliffs here with our thorough balance sheet health report.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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