Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
January 22, 2017
SMU sources advised that US Steel Great Lakes had a furnace issue due to a leaking water line and a weld gas explosion. They were down for about a shift and are now back up and working for the time being.
I wrote the Price Momentum article this evening to make sure that there was no misunderstanding regarding the article I wrote on Sunday evening regarding “cracks” in the price floor. In that article I stated that there were potentially some issues on hot rolled that needed to be watched (and I still believe that), but I did not have information suggesting lower prices being offered on cold rolled or coated steels.
In the article I wrote this evening I quoted a large number of manufacturing, service centers and one wholesaler. I suggest you read those quotes as they are not necessarily singing the same song. This is one of the issues that I deal with each and every week – I have to sift through a large number of comments, opinions and specific orders and then I have to take into consideration any “agendas” that might be part of the process and, then find a way to present that information to my readers that gives them enough detail for them to do further research and then make decisions.
Many of those reacting to my questions today believe we are “close to” the peak of the market. There may still be a small uptick in prices but they will be short-lived. Others are of the opinion “what is going to stop the mills” from pushing prices?
I did spot check a few mills today where I have contacts that I feel that I can trust to provide me accurate information and found the order books strong on cold rolled and coated and good on hot rolled suggesting that any discounted offers were few and minimal.
I am in Alabama for yet another day as we finish up our Steel 101 workshop. I want to take a moment to thank the Nucor Decatur team for their hospitality and an excellent tour of the mill for our group.
As always your business is truly appreciated by all of us at Steel Market Update.
John Packard, Publisher
John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Will a US-UK meeting next week prove a harbinger of tariff deals to come, or will it be just another case of having the rug pulled from under us?
Final Thoughts
When will we see prime scrap become scarce as the worldwide transition to EAF melting increases, especially for HRC production? It's a question I've been asked a lot.
Final Thoughts: The hidden cost of analysis paralysis in the age of uncertainty
With US economic indicators all over the map, it’s no wonder the steel market has experienced a whole lot of analysis paralysis this year.
Final Thoughts
A recurring theme in conversations with some of you and in the comments submitted in our surveys is concerns about demand and uncertainty around tariffs. Where does SMU’s latest opinion polling on President Trump’s tariffs stand? Let’s take a look at the numbers.
Final Thoughts
I’ve been getting some calls lately from some of you who want to kick around ideas on where prices might bottom and when.