Steel Markets
September US Auto Sales at 1.24 Million
Written by Sandy Williams
October 2, 2014
US automotive sales for September totaled 1.24 million units according to the final tally at WardsAuto. Sales were just under Wards’ forecast of 1.26 million units. General Motors and Chyrsler sales were 19 percent higher year over year. Ford, at 180,175 vehicles, was down 3 percent from September 2013.
“Auto sales remained strong in September and rounded out an excellent third quarter, the best for the industry since 2006,” said Bill Fay, Toyota division group vice president and general manager. “SUVs and crossovers continue to be the industry’s hot spots, and RAV4 and 4Runner both saw double-digits gains.”
Subaru took a huge leap of 31 percent to 41,517 vehicle sold due to the launch of its all new Legacy and the Outback. Volkswagen continues to struggle with US sales, down 18.6 percent year over year with 25,996 sold.
Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Steel Markets
Plate prices slip even as mills officially keep tags unchanged
US plate market participants are not fazed by the constricted nature of the current spot market pricing environment. Right now, they said, mill’s choosing to hold prices from one month to the next makes sense because service centers remain amply supplied and demand is stable. Modest upticks or slips in prices are aligned with most of the participants' expectations right now.
Still no cure for the summertime HR market blues
Seasonal steel slowdowns combined with ongoing anxieties about tariffs and mill strategies have dampened sentiment for several hot-rolled steel market participants this week. Buyers are jittery, market stands still The operator of a Midwest-based service center said that steel buyers are scared. “Everyone is afraid to buy steel right now. Unless you’re on a […]
SSAB Americas reports higher Q2 production and shipments
Despite improved operating results, SSAB Americas' second-quarter and H1’25 profits fell short of those of last year.
Global steel production slips in June
The total volume of raw steel produced around the globe fell by 5% from May to June, according to recent data published by the World Steel Association (worldsteel).
Market sentiment shows improvement: PMA Business Conditions Report
Metalforming manufacturers say they’re more confident that near-term economic conditions are improving