Economy
July End of the Month Data
Written by John Packard
July 31, 2014
At the end of each month Steel Market Update takes a look back at the data we have compiled and does a quick analysis for our readers. This is different than our SMU Key Market Indicators which is also included in this newsletter.
Benchmark hot rolled coil prices averaged $667 per ton (SMU) for the month of July. Prices actually rose $15 per ton on HRC during the month, as we started the month at $660 per ton and ended at $675 per ton.
CRU averaged $665 per ton for the month and Platts $675 per ton on hot rolled coil.
Our cold rolled average was $789 per ton, galvanized $841 per ton (.060″ G90) and Galvalume $1078 per ton (.0142″ AZ50, Grade 80).
We saw both zinc and aluminum spot prices on the LME trending higher.
Iron ore spot prices (China) also began moving back up after breaking below $90 per dry metric ton (62% Fe) in June. The average for July was $96/dmt.
Both MSCI and SMU service center months on hand (inventories) for flat rolled remained essentially unchanged with the MSCI reporting 2.1 months at the end of June (SMU was at 2.22 months at that time) and SMU averaging 2.27 months for the month of July.
Auto sales, ISM Manufacturing Index, AIA Billings Index and Auto Sales were all positive in July.
Foreign imports continue to be one area where growth is not considered to be a good thing. The last Final Census data available is for the month of May at just over 4 million tons. However, the Preliminary Census number for June suggests it will be 11 percent lower than May.
John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in Economy
Industry groups praise Senate for passing tax and budget bill
The Steel Manufacturers Association and the American Iron and Steel Institute applauded the tax provisions included in the Senate's tax and budget reconciliation bill.
Chicago PMI dips 0.1 points in June
The Chicago Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) slipped 0.1 points to 40.4 points, in June.
Multi-family pullback drives housing starts to 5-year low in May
US housing starts tumbled in May to a five-year low, according to figures recently released by the US Census Bureau.
Architecture firms still struggling, ABI data shows
Architecture firms reported a modest improvement in billings through May, yet business conditions remained soft, according to the latest Architecture Billings Index (ABI) release from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Deltek.
Manufacturing in New York state contracts again
However, companies are growing more optimistic about the future.