Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
February 21, 2014
Steel 101: Introduction to Steelmaking & Market Fundamentals. Our next workshop will be held in Dearborn, Michigan on May 6-7, 2014. The workshop will include a tour of the Severstal Dearborn fully integrated steel mill. We think the program, our instructors and the mill tour are excellent. But don’t take my word for it. Here are some of the comments made from recent workshops including our last one in Mobile:
“I can’t say enough about this because they work together as a team to get you the best answer and knowledge is unreal between everyone in that room and they will answer each question you have so in depth. I would take it again just to get more and more answers from everyone. Thanks so much.” Chris Bruner, Kloeckner Metals
“Really enjoyed the workshop. Thought having multiple speakers with various experiences in the steel industry was very beneficial, and allowed to keep the attention of the class during the 2 day workshop. Thanks.” Andy Falck, Seaport Steel
“Steel 101 workshop was awesome! Thank you for your wealth of knowledge of this fascinating industry. Your enthusiasm has been infectious, and made it even more of a joy to learn material.” – Lakeshia Boyd, Kloeckner Metals
“Overall the workshop was amazing! I truly enjoyed all of the instructors and all the diverse information that was given over the two days. The mill tour was the highlight and felt a lot of people said the same thing.” Casey Giese
“The Steel 101 class was very informative and diverse. It had information in it for just about anyone connected to the steel market in any way. For example, the railroad whose interest was in the steel market and how it affects their freight pricing. Also, purchasing agents, sales agents, suppliers and mill workers all benefited from the additional knowledge of the steel making process and how the global market fluctuations affect their products. There were journalists who needed to have a greater knowledge of the products they discuss in their news letters. I was surprised at the diversity of the group, men, women, young, older, new to the industry and those who were a part of steel history. I would take this class again and again and surely learn something new every time!” Sincerely, Ashley Maggio-Fulmer Modern Welding Company of Georgia, Inc.
We are taking reservations for the next Steel 101 workshop. You can register on our website or you can contact our office for more information: 800-432-3475 or info@SteelMarketUpdate.com. SMU member companies receive a $100 per person discount as part of your membership. We also have discounts available for companies who send more than one person to a workshop.
I will be in the office on Monday and Tuesday this week and then I will be in Austin, Texas at the FMA Toll Processors Conference for the balance of the week.
If you have any questions or comments for me please feel free to contact me at: John@SteelMarketUpdate.com or by phone: 800-432-3475.
As always your business is truly appreciated by all of us at Steel Market Update.
John Packard, Publisher
Advertise with Steel Market Update
Learn more about Premium Level Membership
Help us buy our kids new shoes…become a new subscriber to SMU
John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
We just wrapped another Steel 101 Workshop, where you take what you learned in the classroom into the steel mill.
Final Thoughts
Steel equities and steel futures fell hard after news broke earlier this week that the US and Mexico might reach an agreement that would result in the 50% Section 232 tariff coming off Mexican steel. The sharp declines didn’t make much sense, especially if, as some reports indicate, Mexico might agree to a fixed quota. They didn't make sense even if steel flows between the US and Mexico remain unchanged.
Final Thoughts
Even before the news about Mexico, I didn’t want to overstate the magnitude of the change in momentum. As far as we could tell, there hadn’t been a frenzy of new ordering following President Trump’s announcement of 50% Section 232 tariffs. But higher tariffs had unquestionably raised prices for imports, which typically provide the floor for domestic pricing. We’d heard, for example, that prices below $800 per short ton for hot-rolled (HR) coil were gone from the domestic market – even for larger buyers.
Final Thoughts
I want to draw your attention to SMU’s monthly scrap market survey. It’s a premium feature that complements our long-running steel market survey. We’ve been running our scrap survey since late January. And over just that short time, it’s become a valuable way not only for us to assess where scrap prices might go but also to quantify some of the “fuzzy” indicators - like sentiment and flows - that help to put the price in context.
Final Thoughts
I think there is an obvious case for sheet and plate prices going higher from here. That’s because, on a very basic level, the floor for flat-rolled steel prices, which is typically provided by imports, is now significantly higher than it was a week ago.