Steel Products Prices North America

October Raw Steel Production & Capacity Utilization Rates
Written by Brett Linton
November 4, 2013
The American Iron & Steel Institute (AISI) reported estimated raw steel production at 1,817,000 net tons for the week ending October 26th, 2013. During October, production peaked to a high of 1,873,000 net tons in the week ending October 5th, and dipped to a low of 1,817,000 net tons in the final week ending October 26th.
Capacity utilization declined from 78.2 percent at the beginning of October to 75.8 percent in the week ending October 26th. However, as you can see by the graphic provided the domestic mills are producing at levels well above this time one year ago.
Year to date raw steel production at the beginning of October was at 74,026,000 net tons, down 3.0 percent from the same period in 2012. As of the week ending October 26th, YTD production was at 79,525,000 net tons, down 2.3 from the same period in 2012. Average capacity utilization for the year so far is estimated at 77.2 percent, up from 76.1 percent YTD 2012.
{amchart id=”84″ Weekly Raw Steel Production from AISI}

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

HRC-galvanized price gap edges higher
The premium galvanized coil carries over hot-rolled coil (HRC) coil has marginally widened in recent months. As of Sept. 16, the spread between these two products reached a three-month high of $175 per short ton (st), though it is still low by historical standards.

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.