Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
January 6, 2014
We have been advised by our developers that they think they have solved the mobile issues which were impacting our members ability to read the newsletter on their smart phones. I personally have an iPhone and was having problems reading the newsletter (image was being cut off). As of yesterday this was rectified – although I had to clear my cache first (settings, Safari, clear history). It is best viewed in landscape mode as the print is still a little small.
If you have a smart phone – please let me know if you are continuing to have problems – or if they have been solved. You can reach me at: John@SteelMarketUpdate.com. If you have an iPad or other tablet device and you are having issues please let me know.
Earlier today I got an email from one of our members who was looking for our graphic showing the SMU Price Momentum Indicator on our hot rolled pricing graph. It was perhaps sheer luck that I had produced that article last night for this evening’s edition.
We have heard that U.S. Steel has re-started their blast furnace at Fairfield and it will be coming up over the next few weeks. We believe the Fairfield furnace was the last one to come back online and once up and running all of the blast furnaces in North America will be running. For more information about the furnaces when you are logged into the website you can go to the resources tab and look under steel mills – furnace status – blast furnace and we have all the furnaces listed and their status. This is for members only and the public cannot see these tabs when they are on the website.
Arthur, I know you are out there and I do read the comments made on articles when they are read on the website. Arthur missed my photo in Final Thoughts – so, for one day only it is I in the photo contained in this article… in real life I have more hair and my eyes open wider. OK, I lied about my hair.
We have about 8 spots left in our Steel 101 workshop. Please contact our office if you would like to learn more or have any questions: 800-432-3475 or info@SteelMarketUpdate.com
As always your business is truly appreciated by all of us here at Steel Market Update. Please take a moment to tell your friends about us as we always can use more good customers just like you.
John Packard, Publisher

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?