Steel Products
Chicago PMI
Written by John Packard
March 1, 2013
The Chicago Purchasing Managers reported the Chicago Business Barometer rose again, up 1.2 points to 56.8, its highest level since last March. There was improvement in New Orders, Order Backlogs, and Supplier Deliveries while Production and Employment expanded at a slower pace. New orders reported its third consecutive monthly gain and 11-month high while order backlogs had its fourth increase in five months. Inventories slowed down a bit from January’s high while employment continued to expand but at a slower pace than the previous month. Supplier deliveries had virtually no change while prices paid rose slightly. Capital equipment lead times shortened while M.R.O. supplies lead time lengthened slightly. (Source: Institute of Supply Management)

John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in Steel Products

Northwest Pipe changes name to NWPX Infrastructure
Northwest Pipe changes name to NWPX Infrastructure.

Tariffs, ample domestic supply cause importers to shift or cancel HR import orders
Subdued demand is causing importers to cancel hot-rolled (HR) coil orders and renegotiate the terms of shipments currently enroute to the US, importers say. An executive for a large overseas mill said customers might find it difficult to justify making imports buys after US President Donald Trump doubled the 25% Section 232 tariff on imported steel […]

Drilling activity slows in the US, grows in Canada
Oil and gas drilling activity was mixed this week, according to Baker Hughes. US totals slipped for a sixth straight week, while Canada saw a slight bump in activity.

Commerce finds no Korean OCTG shipments below market value
US Department of Commerce (Commerce) review found no South Korean oil country tubular goods (OCTG) exporters or producers sold products below market value

Drilling activity slows further in US and Canada
Oil and gas drilling activity declined again this week in both the US and Canada, according to Baker Hughes.