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

Trading firms Mercuria and Tata International partner in joint venture
Geneva-based global commodities trader Mercuria is set to acquire a majority stake in Tata International, according to a report in India's Economic Times.
Glenfarne Alaska LNG and POSCO ink preliminary partnership
Glenfarne Alaska LNG and POSCO signed a preliminary strategic agreement during the GasTech Conference in Milan on Thursday.

Steel export volumes remain weak through July
Following a 3% decline in June, the amount of steel shipped outside of the US edged up 1% in July to 623,000 short tons. July was the sixth-lowest monthly export rate since the COVID-19 pandemic, and...

Hot-rolled market participants say ‘doldrums’ to roll on through year-end
Participants in the hot-rolled steel sheet market expect the market to remain subdued through the end of the year.

Market says cutting interest rates will spur stalled domestic plate demand
Market sources say demand for domestic plate refuses to budge despite stagnating prices.