SMU Data and Models
Steel Mill More Willing to Negotiate Flat Rolled Pricing
Written by John Packard
May 18, 2017
Since early Monday morning of this week, Steel Market Update (SMU) has been conducting an inquiry into the flat rolled steel markets. We discovered lead times have shrunk which usually relates to lower steel prices and more willingness by the domestic steel mills to negotiate spot prices being offered into the market. SMU inquired on the subject of mill negotiations during our survey of the flat rolled markets and found the mills as being willing to discuss pricing on hot rolled, cold rolled, galvanized and Galvalume steels.
The trend toward flexibility on pricing began a couple of months ago which can be seen in the graphic below.
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 market survey results now available
The latest SMU market survey results are now available on our website to all premium members. After logging in at steelmarketupdate.com, visit the pricing and analysis tab and look under the “survey results” section for “latest survey results.” Historical survey results are also available under that selection. If you need help accessing the survey results, or if […]
SMU survey: Buyers’ Sentiment finishes April on the upswing
SMU’s Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices both rose this week to reach some of the highest levels seen this year.
SMU survey: HR, plate lead times slip as CR extends
Hot-rolled coil and plate lead times contracted this week, with most other products remaining flat, according to SMU's most recent survey data. Cold-rolled products, however, saw lead times extend 0.1 weeks to an average of 7.5 weeks vs. two weeks earlier. Hot rolled and plate lead times both contracted 0.3 weeks from our last market check.
SMU survey: Sheet buyers find mills more willing to negotiate spot prices
Sheet steel buyers said mills are more willing to talk price on spot orders, according to our most recent survey data.
Steelmaking raw material prices mixed in April
Prices of steelmaking raw materials have moved in different directions over the last 30 days, according to Steel Market Update’s latest analysis.