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Home » Authors » Stephen Letko

Articles by Stephen Letko

TW0626_energy shortage risk.jpg
PVF Market Overview

Energy Uncertainty Fuels Market Disruption

Geopolitical instability has disrupted oil flows and pushed crude prices higher, while the UAE has exited OPEC and other producers have agreed to modest output increases.
June 1, 2026
Stephen Letko

As geopolitical conflicts and the UAE’s historic exit from OPEC shake up global oil supplies, U.S. PVF demand has skyrocketed to a 40-year high—pushing manufacturer lead times deep into 2027.


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TW0526_gas pump pouring out money.jpg
PVF Market Overview

Oil Prices Reach New Highs

Fuel prices account for 50% to 60% of the total operating cost of shipping goods, so higher fuel prices have a substantial effect on the industry — and the economy.
May 4, 2026
Stephen Letko

With rising oil prices and a strategic shift in global energy supplies, the PVF industry faces a complex landscape of supply chain disruptions, record-breaking demand, and a critical need for skilled labor.


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TW0426_U.S. Supreme Court building, D.C..jpg
PVF Market Overview

SCOTUS Strikes Down Trump Tariffs

Heightened uncertainty due to the Supreme Court ruling, the administration’s replacement global tariffs and geopolitical tensions with Iran are driving sharp increases in energy prices.
April 1, 2026
Stephen Letko

As the PVF sector navigates a massive shift in trade policy following the SCOTUS ruling on Trump-era tariffs, staying ahead of fluctuating energy prices and supply chain disruptions will be the key to maintaining project schedules in 2026.


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TW0326_locked interest rate.jpg
PVF Market Overview

Fed Votes to Keep Current Interest Rate, Citing Inflation and Unemployment Concerns

Further uncertainty for the PVF sector stems from tariff-related legal and political developments, labor shortages driven by retirements and rising demand from data center construction.
February 28, 2026
Stephen Letko

As of this writing, the prelude to the month of March is continued uncertainty concerning the status of President Donald Trump’s tariffs, predicated on the U.S. Supreme Court determination of the legality, the opposition party’s stance on a government shutdown deadline of February 13, the potential escalation of the Iranian crisis and persistent high interest rates.


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TW0226_rising construction costs.jpg
PVF Market Overview

PVF Industry Navigates Tariffs, Interest Rates and Labor Challenges

Rising materials and equipment costs are increasing financial strain on developers and contractors, especially those working under fixed-price contracts signed before recent price hikes.
February 2, 2026
Stephen Letko

Explore how the PVF industry is navigating a complex landscape of trade tariffs, labor shortages, and shifting energy markets in 2026.


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TW0126_data center server farm.jpg
PVF Market Overview

PVF Market Faces Uncertainty in Tariffs, Interest Rates

Meanwhile, data center and energy infrastructure projects continue to drive growth amid a cooling in traditional construction sectors.
January 5, 2026
Stephen Letko

Get a clear outlook on the PVF industry in 2026, from tariffs, interest rates and energy markets to construction trends, labor shortages, major project wins and key networking events shaping the year ahead.


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TW1225_businessmen looking for correct path.jpg
PVF Market Overview

Tariffs, Shutdown and Market Shifts: PVF Industry Navigates Uncertain Terrain

Despite these challenges, major construction and energy projects are moving forward, including significant pipeline, airport and data center developments.
December 1, 2025
Stephen Letko

December marks the end of 2025 with uncertainty over the status of President Donald Trump’s tariffs and a stalemate between Democrats and Republicans (as of this writing) that has shut down the government, overshadowing the PVF sector of the U.S. economy.


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TW1125_oil pumps in Russia.jpg
PVF Market Overview

OPEC+, Russia Agree to Increase Oil Production

Ongoing tariff uncertainties and labor shortages continue to create challenges for the PVF sector, impacting pricing, supply chains and economic stability.
November 3, 2025
Stephen Letko

As the PVF industry navigates economic uncertainty, shifting oil dynamics, labor shortages, and evolving tariff policies, staying informed and connected through events like the PVF Roundtable’s upcoming Casino Night and Christmas Celebration is more vital than ever.


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TW1025_tariff burden.jpg
PVF Market Overview

PVF Sector Faces Uncertainty Amid Tariff Challenges, Market Shifts

From tariff rulings to oil price disputes, labor shortages and construction updates, the industry navigates a complex landscape in the fourth quarter of 2025.
October 1, 2025
Stephen Letko

With economic uncertainty, shifting tariffs, labor shortages, and major infrastructure projects reshaping the landscape, the PVF industry enters Q4 2025 navigating volatility, opportunity, and the growing need for skilled talent and strategic collaboration.


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TW0925_valves at gas plant.jpg
PVF Market Overview

Uncertainty Continues in PVF Industry

The Trump administration’s tariff policies, plus the ongoing skilled labor shortage, continue to challenge the sector, impacting pricing, availability and construction activity.
September 1, 2025
Stephen Letko

As global tariffs shift and labor shortages persist, the PVF industry faces a turbulent third quarter in 2025. Get the latest insights on trade policy impacts, construction trends, energy developments, and how industry leaders are navigating uncertainty through innovation, collaboration, and education.


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