• Skip to main content

    Analysis

    Final Thoughts

    Written by John Packard


    For those of you who are paying attention to our website you might have noticed we added a new sub-menu under the Resources tab. The new menu is called “The Truth About Selling Steel” and we have attempted to split out those articles associated with sales from our Steel Buyers Basics series of articles many of which were written by Mario Briccetti over the past year and then myself going back in history. The articles are timeless in many ways as they broach subjects buyers and sellers of steel will deal with during their steel careers. I am all fired up to share my thoughts regarding sales as I organize my thoughts in order to present a custom training program on the subject.

    Our Steel Summit Conference (September 3 & 4, 2014 – Atlanta, GA) will have a “Pre-Summit” program which will be on the challenges associated with light-weighting and how to deal with thinner (and stronger) steels. The one hour program which we believe will begin at approximately 9:30 AM on September 3rd, will be hosted by Ronald Krupitzer, Vice President Automotive Applications of the Steel Market Development Institute. The Institute has performed a program to large manufacturing companies previously explaining how steels which are being developed for automotive applications can be used in other non-automotive areas. We think that many manufacturing companies as well as service centers who are not yet well versed on the subject will gain valuable insights into the light-weighting process which can then be shared internally within your company or you can work with your steel suppliers to see what opportunities exist for your company. Mr. Krupitzer will remain at the conference to discuss the subject with those who wish to learn more on a one-on-one basis. We encourage you and others from your company to attend our Steel Summit Conferece and join us at the Georgia International Convention Center next to Atlanta’s international airport.

    Latest in Analysis

    November scrap prices rise as market nears settle

    November scrap procurement has commenced in the US with buyers divided on the price increases from the previous month. Several mills reportedly sought a rise of $20 per gross ton (gt) while others saw $30/gt as the number. The $30/gt price tag mainly applies to the obsolete grades, like shredded, P&S and #1 HMS, with prime grades pulling up the rear at $20. SMU spoke to a Chicago-based source who said that market was up $30/gt and 20/gt on shredded and busheling, respectively. He also mentioned the integrated mills in this district are after heavier grades like P&S and railroad grades, like wheels. These grades have been in short supply since last summer. Our source believes they commanded prices up $30/gt while busheling was at plus $20.