Steel Markets

Automakers Deliver Strong February Sales
Written by Sandy Williams
March 1, 2016
Automotive sales for February are expected to increase as much as 8 percent year over year for the highest February volume in 15 years. GM estimates the seasonally adjusted annual rate will be 17.7 million units while WardsAuto predicts 17.5 million.
Most automakers are posting positive gains for February sales. GM sales slipped 1.5 percent last month due to a planned reduction in rental deliveries, but GM is confident about the 2016 market. The company is counting on growing sales from Millennials (under age 34) who account for 20 percent of GM sales.
“We continue to be optimistic about the continued strength of the U.S. economy,” says GM Chief Economist Mustafa Mohatarem. “Employment remains strong, interest rates remain at historically low levels and gas prices are stable, so we expect auto sales to remain strong for the foreseeable future.”
Volkswagen sales continue to lag, down 13.18 percent year over year. Individual records were set, however, for some models such as the crossover Tiguan and e-Golf.

Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Steel Markets

CRU: Steel prices fall amid global demand weakness
The forceful headwinds bearing down on steel markets across the globe have created demand challenges and sent prices southward. The US, however, challenged the global trend.

Hot-rolled price hikes garner mixed reactions from the market
Several steel market sources say they were blindsided when mills increased spot prices for hot-rolled coils this week.

Steel market participants mull the impact of US/Mexico S232 negotiations
Steel market participants learned that negotiations between the US and Mexico include discussions about Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum despite President Trump’s June 3 proclamation increasing the tariffs from 25% to 50% for all steel and aluminum imports—except for those from the UK.

ArcelorMittal plans wire-drawing closure in Hamilton, shifts production to Montreal
ArcelorMittal’s (AM) Hamilton location to be shuttered, wire production shifting to Montreal.

Tariffs, ample domestic supply cause importers to shift or cancel HR import orders
Subdued demand is causing importers to cancel hot-rolled (HR) coil orders and renegotiate the terms of shipments currently enroute to the US, importers say. An executive for a large overseas mill said customers might find it difficult to justify making imports buys after US President Donald Trump doubled the 25% Section 232 tariff on imported steel […]