SMU Data and Models

SMU Comparison Price Indices: Another Notch Lower
Written by John Packard
March 16, 2014
The indexes are beginning to spread out, especially on benchmark hot rolled coil pricing. Steel Market Update saw HRC prices down $15 per ton this past week, SteelBenchmarker was $16 per ton lower (but they only produce prices twice per month), CRU down $5 and Platts held the line even with the previous week.
The spread on cold rolled is might tighter than hot rolled with the four indexes averaging $753 per ton.
Galvanized was quite tight between SMU and CRU and Galvalume we stand unopposed having dropped Steel Orbis the week prior to this week.
Plate prices moved in the opposite direction with all three indexes posting double digit gains for plate over the previous week. The plate average is now $811 per ton (up $19 per ton).

John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in SMU Data and Models

Survey says: Tariff whiplash replay activated
If you’re feeling a sudden jerk and a case of tariff whiplash coming on, you’re not alone.

SMU flat-rolled market survey results now available
SMU’s latest steel buyers market survey results are now available on our website to all premium members. After logging in at steelmarketupdate.com, visit the pricing and analysis tab and look under the “survey results” section for “latest survey results.” Past survey results are also available under that selection. If you need help accessing the survey results, or if […]

SMU Survey: Steel Buyers’ Sentiment sinks to near pandemic levels
SMU’s Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices moved in opposing directions this week. Our Current Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Index sharply fell to one of the lowest levels recorded in five years, while Future Buyers’ Sentiment marginally improved.

SMU Survey: Mill lead times tick higher after late-May lows
All five of the averages for sheet and plate mill lead times tracked by SMU extended moderately this week, according to buyers responding to our latest market survey.

SMU Survey: Mills less negotiable on sheet prices, buyers say
Most steel buyers responding to our market survey this week reported that domestic mills are considerably less willing to talk price on sheet products than they were in recent weeks, but remain open to bargain on plate prices.