Jun. 3, 2025 at 4:04 PM ET6 min read

Steel Tariff Boost: Cleveland-Cliffs Stock Skyrockets

Tim BohenAvatar
Written by Tim Bohen
Reviewed by Ben Sturgill Fact-checked by Ellis Hobbs

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.’s stock soars 5.71% following upbeat market sentiment and promising financial outlook.

Market Impact and Reactions

  • President Trump’s announcement to double steel tariffs to 50% sends steel stocks, including Cleveland-Cliffs, soaring over 23%.
  • The decision to increase tariffs is causing Cleveland-Cliffs’ stock price to climb nearly 24% in light of potential trade policy shifts.
  • Steel Dynamics, Nucor, and Cleveland-Cliffs experience significant gains, with Trump’s policy changes prompting market enthusiasm.
  • Cleveland-Cliffs sees a 31.9% surge in premarket trading, marking a dramatic shift from its recent declines.

Candlestick Chart

Live Update At 16:04:05 EST: On Tuesday, June 03, 2025 Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. stock [NYSE: CLF] is trending up by 5.71%! Discover the key drivers behind this movement as well as our expert analysis in the detailed breakdown below.

Cleveland-Cliffs’ Recent Financial Overview

Trading requires a combination of skill, experience, and a well-defined strategy. As Tim Bohen, lead trainer with StocksToTrade says, “The best trades are the ones you can make without emotion. Plan it, then execute it as if it’s routine.” This mindset allows traders to focus on executing their plans with precision, minimizing the risk of emotionally driven decisions that can lead to mistakes. By sticking to this disciplined approach, traders can improve their chances of success and stay aligned with their overall trading strategy.

Cleveland-Cliffs has been in the spotlight, thanks to the recent surges in its stock price following President Trump’s surprise decision to double tariffs on steel imports. This political move brought a fresh wave of interest and hope to stakeholders, as the previous market struggles raised eyebrows.

A look at Cleveland-Cliffs’ recent earnings report reveals significant financial shifts. It’s noteworthy to mention that its revenue was slightly out of sync with consensus — coming in at $4.47 billion compared to a $4.64 billion consensus. However, this was a minor hiccup in the grand scheme. The company is actively optimizing its operations, noticeably making strategic changes such as the idling of several facilities to potentially curtail annual losses significantly.

Moreover, CEO Lourenco Goncalves has been steering the company toward streamlined operations, aiming for a focused footprint on the automotive steel supply. This could bolster the company’s positioning in the sector with anticipated annual savings near $300 million.

More Breaking News

Yet, financial metrics provide a mix of red flags and opportunities. For instance, their EBIT margin stands at a negative 8, stretching operational challenges, while profitability portrays a recovery slope as trade and policy realignments unfold. With a price-to-sales ratio lingering around 0.19, Cleveland-Cliffs remains at an interesting pivot point for investors eyeing future growth possibilities, especially with potential tariff benefits boosting sentiment.

Analyzing the Market Surge

Cleveland-Cliffs’ share price didn’t just rise; it took a leap forward, much akin to a pressured spring releasing its potential energy. This resurgence follows months of strategic alignment, debt management, and intent focus on capitalizing opportunities in core areas like automotive steel supply.

The tariff announcement could not have come at a more opportune time. It injected an adrenaline-fueled spike, catapulting shares upward while rejuvenating hope for improved profit margins and business dynamics. While this rise was primarily news-driven, it has opened broader discussions on market re-entry risk versus reward.

It’s crucial to delve into the immediate backdrop of financial levers. There’s a profound interplay between operational consolidation initiatives and cost-saving prospects that now align with external tariff aids, creating a hopeful short-term profitability outlook. With Trump’s tariffs seemingly favoring domestic players like Cleveland-Cliffs, near-term stock performance may remain buoyant amid these evolving circumstances.

Understanding News Dynamics and Potential Aftereffects

The impact of doubled steel tariffs is multi-faceted. For Cleveland-Cliffs, this scenario portends a dual effect: bolstering domestic steel prices while potentially stymieing aggressive import competition. This creates fertile ground for improved domestic sales and, consequently, potentially stronger financial results.

However, likening this moment to uncharted tides is apt. Investors may see this period as a windfall, yet the broader financial architecture still grapples with challenges like debt leverage management and strategic capital allocation for sustainable investments. The real challenge lies in harnessing this fleeting momentum into lasting profitability.

As markets digest these developments, stakeholders discuss how best to navigate the new terrain. Whether tariff benefits genuinely translate into sustainable economic gains or merely create a temporary bubble remains a lively debate. So while optimism prevails, cautionary tales of historical volatility guide astute judgment.

Conclusion

Navigating the financial seas of Cleveland-Cliffs’ stock is currently akin to charting unknown waters, with significant tidal shifts dictated by newly-imposed tariffs. Traders will need to weigh these volatile swings with considered measures of financial stability and strategic foresight. As Tim Bohen, lead trainer with StocksToTrade says, “The best trades are the ones you can make without emotion. Plan it, then execute it as if it’s routine.” This advice is crucial for those who see Cleveland-Cliffs as merely a tariff beneficiary, which undermines its broader efforts to streamline and align its operations strategically. The juxtaposition of operational refinement against short-lived policy-driven highs paints a canvas ripe for both opportunity and the necessity of vigilance. What comes next is a question of strategic maneuvering whilst riding the current wave of favorable tariffs.

This is stock news, not investment advice. StocksToTrade News delivers real-time stock market updates tailored to highlight the key catalysts driving short-term price movements. Our coverage is designed for active traders and investors who thrive in fast-moving markets, with a focus on volatile sectors like penny stocks, AI stocks, Robinhood stocks and other momentum plays. From earnings reports and FDA approvals to mergers, new contracts, and unusual trading volume, we break down the events that can spark significant price action.

Looking to level up your trading game? Explore StocksToTrade, the ultimate platform for traders. With powerful tools designed for swing and day trading, integrated news scanning, and even social media monitoring, StocksToTrade keeps you one step ahead.

Check out our quick startup guide for new traders!

Ready to build your watchlists? Check out these curated lists:

Once your watchlist is set, take the next step and trade with confidence using StocksToTrade’s robust platform. Don’t miss out — grab your 14-day trial for just $7 and experience the edge you need to thrive in today’s fast-paced markets.