Steel Products
Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
January 30, 2013
Our Steel 101: Introduction to Steelmaking & Market Fundamentals Workshop is quickly filling up. We have about 6 spots left available for our February 27-28 workshop which will be held in the Columbus, Mississippi area and include a tour of the Severstal Columbus mini-mill. You can learn more about our program on our website or you are welcome to contact us at our offices with any questions you might have. You can register online or by contacting our office at 800-432-3475 (706-216-5440).
I want to take a moment to welcome our newest members and to remind them – and those who have been with us for awhile – if you have any questions or suggestions we are here and available to listen and respond. We can be reached by email: info@SteelMarketUpdate.com or by phone: 800-432-3475 and we encourage interaction. If you would like to participate in our surveys please send me an email: John@SteelMarketUpdate.com. We also encourage you to suggest us to your friends. We try to let our product and our customers speak on our behalf – and we thank you in advance for your kind words.
We will dig into the earnings conference calls a little deeper in the next 24 hours to see if any secrets were revealed. Early reports suggest it was a long day for the analysts with few crumbs dropped…
The Big River Steel press release – I don’t recall when I have ever seen a press release for a $1 billion steel mill so few on details – no tonnage – no products.
As always your business is truly appreciated.

John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in Steel Products

September energy market update
In this Premium analysis we examine North American oil and natural gas prices, drill rig activity, and crude oil stock levels through September. Trends in energy prices and rig counts serve as leading indicators for oil country tubular goods (OCTG) and line pipe demand.

Market says cutting interest rates will spur stalled domestic plate demand
Market sources say demand for domestic plate refuses to budge despite stagnating prices.

U.S. Steel to halt slab conversion at Granite City Works
U.S. Steel said it plans to reduce slab consumption at its Granite City Works near St. Louis, a company spokesperson said on Monday. The Pittsburgh-based steelmaker will shift the production and processing of steel slabs to its Mon Valley Works near Pittsburgh and its Gary Works near Chicago. Citing a United Steelworkers (USW) union memo, […]

SMU Week in Review: September 1-5
Here are highlights of what’s happened this past week and a few upcoming things to keep an eye on.

HR Futures: Market finds footing on supply-side mechanics
As Labor Day marks the transition into fall, the steel market enters September with a similar sense of change. Supply-side fundamentals are beginning to show signs of restraint: imports are limited, outages loom, and production is capped, setting the stage for a market that feels steady on the surface but still unsettled underneath.