Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
January 18, 2016
I am pleased to announce that we have been given permission to take our next Steel 101 workshop to Ohio and to tour the Northstar Bluescope steel mill. Northstar Bluescope Steel has an exceptional reputation for both quality and efficiency and we are looking forward to seeing the mill in action. We will have more information about this Steel 101 program online in the coming days.
At this time I am in Mississippi having just finished touring the SDI Columbus steel mill which is the largest EAF flat rolled mill in North America. I can tell you that the mill was running all of their equipment and is projected to set a new production record for galvanized this month. I want to thank Madhu Ranade, General Manager of the Columbus plant and Don Switzer, Head of Commercial as well as the rest of the SDI team for their hospitality and the great job they did showing off their mill to our attendees this afternoon. It was a little cool temperature wise here in Mississippi but, the mill was running hot and a good experience was had by all.
If you would like to have an exceptional learning experience come join us in Ohio in May when we visit Northstar Bluescope Steel and/or in Arkansas in October/early November when we will tour the new Big River Steel…
As always your business is truly appreciated by all of us here at Steel Market Update.
John Packard, Publisher

John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts
Based on the amount of ‘out of office’ replies we’ve been receiving and the results of this week’s steel buyers’ survey, those pesky summer doldrums have arrived for the steel industry.

Final Thoughts
Maybe some of this uncertainty will get ironed out ahead of Liberation Day tariffs resetting higher rates on July 9. But if I had to place a wager, it would be on more drama and last-minute brinksmanship - whether it comes to the Liberation Day tariffs or the various Section 232s that are in the works.

Final Thoughts
What should you keep your eye on, considering the latest geopolitical events?

Final Thoughts
Not many people in the North American steel market had direct US involvement in another Middle East conflict on their bingo card. Prices weren't expected to shoot higher unless something unexpected happened. That unexpected something has now happened. And there is talk of oil at $100 per barrel. What does that mean for steel?

Final Thoughts
Now that the USS/Nippon deal has been completed, what's next?