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
Global steel production inches up, China’s falls in October
Global steel output inched higher from September to October, even as production declined in China, the World Steel Association (worldsteel) said in its latest monthly report.
October US housing starts inch higher but remain down on-year
US housing starts crept higher for a second consecutive month in October. Starts were lower, however than the same month last year, according to the most recent data from the US Census Bureau.
Imports Fall in September, But Flat Rolled at Three-Month High
The decline in imports from August to September was more pronounced than license applications suggested earlier this month.
Final Thoughts
The first rule of Steel 101 is that you’re free to talk about Steel 101. We actually encourage it. Last week on Tuesday and Wednesday, SMU’s Steel 101 was held in Mt. Pleasant, S.C.
SMU Survey: Buyers Sentiment Indices Rise
SMU’s Current and Future Steel Buyers Sentiment Indices both increased this week, based on our most recent survey data. Every other week we poll steel buyers about sentiment. The Steel Buyers Sentiment Indices measure how steel buyers feel about their company’s chances of success in the current market, as well as three to six months down the road. We have historical data going back to 2008. Check our interactive graphing tool here.