Why US Steel is Restarting Operations at Gary Tin Mill

US Steel has announced it will restart operations at the Gary Tin Mill, re-establishing US steel supply chains and creating new job opportunities.

The decision comes during a period of heightened demand for domestic supply chains, particularly as US President Donald Trump pursues stronger domestic production capabilities.

The reopening of the mill and its operations could create new jobs and support a more robust supply chain across the manufacturing sector.

What is US Steel?

Founded in 1901, US Steel operates to deliver profitable and sustainable steel solutions, with a focus on employee safety. The company serves the construction, automotive, appliance, energy and packaging industries.

It has competitive iron ore production capabilities and electric arc furnaces, working towards the creation of stronger, lighter and more environmentally responsible steels. Its operations span the United States and Central Europe, with production intended to help build electric vehicles, generators and transformers.

Reopening Gary Tin Mill

While production has declined since the mid-20th century, resulting in reduced staffing levels, US Steel appears confident in its decision to reopen the tin mill. The facility is a major steel mill in Indiana and is one of the largest integrated mills in North America. 

According to the International Tin Association, the facility was idled in October 2022 due to intense competition from imported tin mill products.

The planned restart requires long-term customer interest in a domestic tin mill supply, but recent US determination for an American supply chain has the company certain that this represents the right move.

The objective is to increase domestic tin mill production while ensuring customers can gain access to US-made supply.

Operations at Gary Tin Mill

Operations at Gary Tin Mill are expected to begin in early 2027 following maintenance activities, procurement of materials and workforce readiness.

The company is anticipating restart costs of US$15 to US$20m, which will primarily focus on operational readiness, equipment inspections, maintenance and materials purchasing. 

US Steel also anticipates the direct supporting of 225 jobs at Gary Works, where the mill is.

It says it is dedicated to ensuring the Gary Tin Mill can operate reliably and safely, in alignment with the annual contracting cycle for tin mill products.

The products produced at the mill will be used in a range of items including food and beverage packaging and oil filtration goods.

Domestic supply chain

"Customers are increasingly focused on securing dependable domestic supply they can count on over the long term," says US Steel President and Chief Executive Officer, David B. Burritt.

"Restarting the Gary Tin Mill positions us to serve that demand, support domestic manufacturing, and strengthen critical US supply chains, including those that help support US farmers and food producers, provided trade is fair and enforced."

US Steel believes it can meet demands with increased production amid the right market conditions.

The restarting of operations is intended to offer reliable, US-made tin mill products, which have been mined, melted and made in the US, as part of an increasingly domestic supply chain.

Under President Trump's leadership, a strong US domestic supply chain is at the forefront of many manufacturers and business leaders, particularly as an incentive to avoid tariff prices. As such, more manufacturing operations are moving towards the US.

Addressing import competition

On 9th April 2025, US Steel filed antidumping duty petitions against imports of tin and chromium coated sheet steel from Taiwan, China and Turkey.

Additionally, it filed a countervailing duty petition against subsidised imports of tin mill products from China.

US Steel alleges these countries are selling their products at artificially low prices in order to become main sourcing partners of steel, which it says risks putting US companies out of business.

Its objective is to reduce foreign products from being a major source in the supply chain.

The company's decision to restart the Gary Tin Mill reflects an industry trend towards reshoring manufacturing capabilities and reducing dependence on international suppliers.