Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
April 27, 2016
I am going to start my Final Thoughts today with a question. I am working on an article as part of my The Truth About Selling Steel series and I want to learn more from buyers and sellers of steel as to what the term “Value-Added” means? We hear this term used a lot in the steel industry. From a mill perspective value-added means products that go beyond the vanilla CS/B applications and through rolling, chemistry, coatings, etc. are deemed to be more valuable to the customer and more expensive to produce (and to purchase). I would like those of you who are buyers or sellers of steel to explain to me what you think “Value-Added” means. You can reach me at: John@SteelMarketUpdate.com
I have asked my LinkedIn group (Steel Market Update) as well as those connected with me on my personal LinkedIn page to comment on the subject. I know I have hit a nerve because LinkedIn is telling me it is one of the most active posts out there (at least in the steel world).
Now for the other side of the story. Watch Chinese iron ore prices carefully. I have heard that the Chinese mills have begun to drop export price offers. I am trying to check with my sources in Asia to see if this is true (and by how much). But, just about everyone in the steel industry thinks what is happening in China is a huge bubble (see our HR Futures Article in this evening’s issue) that will eventually burst. The question is when and how long before the aftermath comes to roost here in the U.S.? Right now, my opinion is we should have a tight market until 4th Quarter. I would love to know what you think.
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
Another record-breaking SMU Steel Summit is in the books. Thanks to all of you – attendees, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors – for making it possible it in what has been an uncertain year for steel.
Final Thoughts: Steel Summit 2025 has launched!
Steel Summit 2025 has just launched, and we're off to an amazing start.
Final Thoughts
The big show is here again. SMU Steel Summit begins on Monday. This year, like last year, more than 1,500 people will be joining us. And I couldn’t be more excited to have everyone here in Atlanta.
Final Thoughts
With SMU Steel Summit starting in just a few days, I decided to go back and do a quick check on where things stand now compared to the week before Summit last year.
Final Thoughts
Is a pattern finally emerging in the post-Liberation Day tariff landscape?