SMU Data and Models
Buyers Split on Success of Domestic Mill Price Increases
Written by John Packard
May 10, 2015
Buyers and sellers of flat rolled steel are split over whether or not the price increase announcements of two weeks ago will actually be collected. This past week we invited approximately 600 companies to participate in our flat rolled steel market survey. Of the more than 100 companies who responded fifty-three percent told SMU that the steel price increases would indeed stick. The balance (47 percent) where more skeptical and do not believe the price increases will remain in the days and weeks ahead.
What Our Respondents Had to Say About Whether the Price Increases Would Stick?
“After they announce a second increase.” Trading Company
“That would be HELL NO.” Plate Supplier
“There really is no basis for the increase except yet another attempt to send a signal that the price is low enough now and they need the slide to stop.” Manufacturing Company
“NOT UNTIL EVERYONE GETS ON BOARD AND THE BACK ROOM DEALS ARE STOPPED.” Service Center
“An increase this early has only succeeded in pulling orders forward at the old prices but demand will now be softer in the summer months and prices will resume its slide. It may also encourage more imports to return.” Manufacturing Company
“Stop the decline at least.” Service Center
“I don’t think the increase was put out for an increase rather to stop the decreases!” Service Center
“If the mills hang together and not one weak link arises in their ranks.” Trading Company
“The increases are arbitrary. $20 – $30 from what base. If it helps the market to find a bottom – it’s a big positive.” Steel Mill
“I would like to qualify my answer by adding, will stick in part, and briefly.” Service Center
John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in SMU Data and Models
SMU Scrap Survey: Current and Future Sentiment tick down
SMU’s Current Sentiment Index for scrap decreased this month, a move mirrored by our Future Sentiment Index, according to the latest data from our ferrous scrap survey.
SMU Survey: Buyers’ Sentiment slips again, future outlook improves
Each of our Sentiment Indices continues to reflect that steel buyers are positive about their present and future business prospects, though that confidence has eased considerably compared to the beginning of the year.
SMU scrap market survey results now available
SMU’s October ferrous scrap market survey results are now available on our website to all premium members.
SMU flat-rolled market survey results now available
SMU’s latest steel buyers market survey results are now available on our website to all premium members.
SMU Survey: Sheet and plate lead times stabilize
Sheet and plate lead times saw minor shifts this week, according to SMU’s latest market survey. Sheet times have inched up over the last month but remain within days of multi-year lows, as they have since May. Plate lead times have bobbed within a tight range for months, hovering roughly a week longer than this time last year.