SMU Data and Models
Steel Mills Willing to Negotiate Flat Rolled Spot Pricing
Written by John Packard
September 8, 2016
With lead times shrinking on hot rolled, cold rolled, galvanized and Galvalume steels it would be normal to collect data suggesting the domestic steel mills are becoming more negotiable on the spot pricing. The following information was gathered through our flat rolled steel market trends analysis over the past six days.
We found that the majority of our respondents were finding the domestic steel mills willing to negotiate pricing. The percentage of those responding that HRC was now negotiable went from 83 percent two weeks ago to 100 percent now.
Those reporting cold rolled as negotiable went from 43 percent to 90 percent.
Galvanized went from 59 percent to 82 percent and Galvalume from 22 percent to 67 percent.
Based on what we have found regarding lead times and now negotiations, we continue to believe that flat rolled prices will move lower from here and our Price Momentum Indicator continues to point toward lower spot pricing.
A side note: The data for both lead times and negotiations comes from only service center and manufacturer respondents. We do not include commentary from the steel mills, trading companies, or toll processors in this particular group of questions.
To see an interactive history of our Steel Mill Negotiations data, visit our website here.
John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in SMU Data and Models
SMU Steel Demand Index still lags
The Steel Demand Index now stands at 42, up from 38.5 in early July, but off from a four-year high of 65.0 in late February.
SMU Price Ranges: Sheet prices tick lower, but floor remains high vs. ’24
Sheet prices slipped again this week amid discounting from certain mills and ongoing concerns about demand.
SMU Survey: Steel Buyer Sentiment Indices soften
SMU’s Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices eased this week, both approaching multi-year lows.
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: Mill lead times remain short
Steel mill lead times on sheet products contracted across the board this week compared to early July, while plate production times moderately extended, according to steel buyers responding to this week’s market survey.