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    Analysis

    Final Thoughts

    Written by John Packard


    Take the time to read the article in tonight’s issue about what the new trade legislation will mean to how injury or material injury is determined. I spoke with one of my sources last week who told me that this legislation will be a “game changer” for those who import foreign steel. No longer will the domestic mills have to show financial losses in order to prove their businesses are being damaged by foreign steel imports. They also will be able to file suits quicker by saying that the rise in imports will materially injure them in the future.

    Here is how this foreign based mill source put it to us late last week, “I have been leading the trade legislstion project (watching it) for [mill name removed] for a few months.   Personally I have been calling it a game changer in internal communications for awhile.  I may be more impressed by it than others – most people simply ignore it because to them it seems like just another “Washington thing.” It could change behavior by the importer of record depending on what final version gets reconciled and signed into law.  The Senate version is the more interesting one in my opinion!”

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    November scrap prices rise as market nears settle

    November scrap procurement has commenced in the US with buyers divided on the price increases from the previous month. Several mills reportedly sought a rise of $20 per gross ton (gt) while others saw $30/gt as the number. The $30/gt price tag mainly applies to the obsolete grades, like shredded, P&S and #1 HMS, with prime grades pulling up the rear at $20. SMU spoke to a Chicago-based source who said that market was up $30/gt and 20/gt on shredded and busheling, respectively. He also mentioned the integrated mills in this district are after heavier grades like P&S and railroad grades, like wheels. These grades have been in short supply since last summer. Our source believes they commanded prices up $30/gt while busheling was at plus $20.