Steel Products Prices North America
October Raw Steel Production Up 1%
Written by Brett Linton
November 29, 2013
The American Iron & Steel Institute (AISI) reported their final raw steel production numbers for the month of October 2013. This estimation is different than the weekly raw steel production as it is based on 75 percent of the domestic mills reporting vs. 50 percent for the weekly estimates.
Total raw steel production for the month of October was reported to be 8,114,457 net tons with 4,951,178 NT being produced by electric arc furnaces (EAF) and 3,163,279 NT produced by blast furnaces. October raw steel production was reported by the AISI to be 1.0 percent higher than the previous month.
Total raw steel production in 2013 throughout October is now 80,091,546 NT which is 2.8 percent below that of 2012 through the same time period. The capacity utilization rate for the month of October was reported to be 76.5 percent and 77.0 percent in average for 2013 so far. (Source: AISI)
Below is a chart showing the monthly production figures in a 3-month moving average.
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.