Analysis

Final Thoughts

October 8, 2014

I noticed that one of our Steel Summit speakers, Timna Tanners of Bank of America Merrill Lynch Research, has been named to the All-America Research Team as the Number 1 Metals & Mining Analyst by Institutional Investor. This is the second number one ranking for Tanners in as many years. Timna is a fan of SMU and referenced some of our research and opinions in her notes to her clients.

I want to welcome all of the new free trials who have registered over the past week or so. We seem to have had a swarm of registrations recently. Please take some time to review our website, look at our archives, resource materials and Premium level content (such as our survey results, imports by port, etc.). If you have questions do not hesitate to contact us: Info@SteelMarketUpdate.com. More than likely you will get a return answer from me.

I received a number of notes from metals & mining analysts disagreeing with my “opinion” that we won’t see dumping suits filed on light flat rolled over the near term. One analyst pointed out that the mills have worked on past filings for years before actually submitting the suit. My horizon does not look that far out. I was also asked if there was ever a time when dumping suits were threatened but not filed. Since I happen to have been with three highly experienced steel people over the past few days as we conducted our Steel 101 workshop, I asked them that question. They recalled threats being made in the 1980’s that were not followed through on. If anyone out there has information about past threats that did not become actual suits – please let me know. Send your comments or to relate your stories send them to: John@SteelMarketUpdate.com

The currency issue is a big deal for the steel industry and one that steel buyers need to be aware. We do a monthly analysis of the steel producing / exporting countries currency values against the U.S. dollar on a monthly basis for our Premium level (and free trial) members. I believe the last one was published within the past week or so. If you are not a Premium member you may want to keep an eye on the Wall Street Journal on the subject.

I just realized that I will be in Las Vegas for the Association of Steel Distributors Fall Meeting which will be held over Halloween… Anyone have any good ideas for a costume for yours truly?

As always your business is truly appreciated by all of us here at Steel Market Update.