Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
April 30, 2014
A quick Final Thoughts this evening as I am in Chicago for the Metals Industry Boy Scout Dinner.
For those of you who have interesting sales stories from your steel career or otherwise, I am interested in collecting sales related stories/advice, etc. Please send your comments or stories to me at: John@SteelMarketUpdate.com.
A reminder that our new Managing Price Risk II: Strategies & Execution workshop is available for registration. Information can be found on our website or you are welcome to contact our office: 800-432-3475 or Andre Marshall: Andre.Marshall@crunchrisk.com.
I hope to have the next two Steel 101 workshops ready for announcement within the next week. Our goal is to produce one either in late July/August and then again in October.
I want to welcome our newest customers and I want to invite you to interact with Steel Market Update. If you have a question, comment or suggestion we are here and available to speak with you either by email (info@SteelMarketUpdate.com) or by phone (800-432-3475).
Thank you to all of our customers as your business is truly appreciated by all of us here at Steel Market Update.
John Packard, Publisher

John Packard
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Final Thoughts
The difference: The spat with Turkey was a big deal for steel. This time, the 50% reciprocal tariff for Brazil – if it goes into effect as threatened on Aug.1 – hits everything from coffee and to pig iron. It seems almost custom-built to inflict as much pain as possible on Brazil.

Final Thoughts
Are we on the cusp of sorting out the tariff situation, or is this merely another round in the bout?

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.