“What we learned from the last tariff experience is that what goes up must come down,” says Lisa Goldenberg of Delaware Steel Co. “So it's kind of a last man standing.”

The final outcome of the sale could have huge implications for both organized labor and the domestic steel economy.

While delays and shortages could be just short-term disruptions, tariffs, which also push up prices, are expected to remain.

A steel producer stands behind Trump's decision to implement tariffs.