Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
September 24, 2013
I want to thank IHS Global Insight for allowing SMU and our readers to attend their Pricing & Purchasing Summit which was held in Chicago over the past two days. SMU is interested in conducting a similar conference dedicated to the steel industry and identifying risks next year as we strive to bring new value to our members and the steel community.
Based on the conversations I have been having with end users, service centers and steel mills over the past few days it appears we may be in one of those interesting times within the steel industry. We have a number of factors coming together – new management at two mills – USS and Severstal and another mill is for sale (ThyssenKrupp). We have contract negotiations beginning and, so far, the mills seem to be committed to doing a better job of controlling their fate and attempting to become more profitable. After many years of shooting themselves in the foot maybe now is the time to make a stand?
Of course end users are not pleased with the changes and I found John Anton of IHS Global Insight comments today to be compelling – maybe it is time for buyers to weigh all of the risks in their supply chain and supporting slightly higher prices may pay dividends over the longer term.
Earlier this evening, Severstal NA announced the appointment of a new Vice President of Commercial. His name is Sachin Shivaram and his background is with ArcelorMittal and McKinsey and Company. He replaces Tom Marchak who has been appointed to the position as Special Advisor to the CEO. We will have more on this on our blog tomorrow.
By the way – John Temples and I will be at Metalcon this year in Atlanta. I expect to attend the AKZO Nobel cocktail reception and to be on the floor for the first day of the show. If you would like to make arrangements to speak to John or myself you can shoot us an email at: John@SteelMarketUpdate.com.
As always we want to thank our members for their support and their business which is truly appreciated by all of us here at Steel Market Update.
John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
I’m not sure how many different ways I can write that it’s been a quiet market ahead of Independence Day. There are variations on that theme. I’ve heard everything from the ominous “eerily quiet” to "getting better" and even the occasional “blissfully unaware” (because I’m enjoying my vacation).
Final Thoughts
What's going to be the next big thing in steel?
Final Thoughts
Based on the amount of ‘out of office’ replies we’ve been receiving and the results of this week’s steel buyers’ survey, those pesky summer doldrums have arrived for the steel industry.
Final Thoughts
Maybe some of this uncertainty will get ironed out ahead of Liberation Day tariffs resetting higher rates on July 9. But if I had to place a wager, it would be on more drama and last-minute brinksmanship - whether it comes to the Liberation Day tariffs or the various Section 232s that are in the works.
Final Thoughts
What should you keep your eye on, considering the latest geopolitical events?