Steel Markets

April US Auto Sales Highest Since 2006
Written by Sandy Williams
May 4, 2015
US automotive sales finished April at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 16.4 million. Sales were slightly below expectations but still the highest April sales level since 2006.
Sales volume for the month was at 1.448 million units, according to WardsAuto, a gain of 4.9 percent y/y. Light trucks and CUVs continued to lead sales as consumers enjoy low fuel prices and a favorable credit terms.
Sales of the new Ford F-150 were up 8 percent with plant change over and ramp up continuing.
General Motors announced it will invest $5.4 billion in plant improvements during the next three years. GM says the “investment translates to GM investing in U.S. operations about $5 million a day or $150 million every month for the next three year.”

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.