Steel Products Prices North America

Apparent Steel Supply Up in August
Written by Brett Linton
November 3, 2013
Apparent steel supply for August 2013 was up 1.62 percent compared to the same month one year ago. This is primarily due to higher total steel imports and higher semi-finished steel imports for this year. The net trade surplus from imports versus exports was 1,730,960 net tons in August of this year, up from 1,502,420 NT in the prior year.
When compared to July, August apparent steel supply is moderately higher by 211,723 net tons or 2.30 percent. Domestic shipments remained relatively stable from July to August, while total imports increased by 357,862 NT or 14.20 percent. The net amount of trade from imports and exports also increased by 297,760 NT in August, a 20.78 percent increase over July.
On a year to date basis, the 2013 YTD monthly averages for the items below are essentially at the same levels from what we saw during 2012. The averages are all above 2010 and 2011 levels with the exception of total U.S. exports.

Brett Linton
Read more from Brett LintonLatest in Steel Products Prices North America

SMU Price Ranges: HR slips, hopes for Q4 rebound still standing
SMU’s price ranges were mixed again this week as the market continues to seek a floor amid industry hopes for a Q4 rebound.

Nucor’s hot band list price holds at $875/ton
Nucor held its hot-rolled coil list price flat again this week, according to its Monday, Sept. 15 consumer spot price (CSP) notice.

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

SMU Price Ranges: Some predict bottom is near as big discounts dry up
Sheet prices were mixed this week as some mills continued to offer significant discounts to larger buyers while others have shifted toward being more disciplined, market participants said.

SMU Price Ranges: Tags mixed as uncertainty weighs on market
SMU’s hot-rolled (HR) coil price held steady this week while prices for other sheet and plate products declined.