Analysis
Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
July 17, 2017
As the Tuesday work day was coming to a close we want our readers to know that there is a meeting going on in the White House with a number of steel mill CEO’s, members of the WH staff and Wilbur Ross. According to World Trade Online the subject being discussed is Section 232… SMU will watch closely for reports on the meeting as they become known. However, our readers need to be aware that we may well be within a day or two of learning more about the recommendations that will be made by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Our 2016 SMU Steel Summit Conference welcomed 434 attendees to Atlanta. That was approximately 100 more attendees than what we saw in 2015. With 40 days to go before the beginning of the 2017 conference registrations just passed 520 executives and we are bearing down on 534 which would break the 2016 record by 100 attendees. I want to thank everyone who has been telling their suppliers, customers or steel friends about our conference.
Don’t get me wrong, I would love to become the largest steel conference in North America and we are not that far behind the folks in New York City. So, you can continue to tell your friends in the industry that the place to go at the end of August is the Georgia International Convention Center located right next to the Atlanta International Airport (ATL). They can come join us for three days of networking, learning and obtaining a better understanding of what the future should hold for our businesses. We do this using the highest quality speakers in a forum that promotes dialogue. More information can be found on our website.
Late this afternoon California Steel (CSI) advised their customers that flat rolled prices for the second half of August would be $25 per ton more expensive than the orders placed during the first half of the month.
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 Analysis
Final Thoughts
Most steel buyers think that steel prices will continue to rise into the 2026. But they don’t see the kinds of big gains that have characterized past market upturns, according to the results of SMU’s latest steel market survey.
Brazil pig iron market activity picks up
The pig iron market in Brazil saw some activity last week that could present some additional options to producers there, but at lower price levels.
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.
Key takeaways from CRU’s US Ferroalloys Connections Summit
CRU analysts break down their top takeaways from CRU's 31st Annual Ferroalloys Connections Summit, held Oct. 19-21 in Miami.
SMU Steel Demand Index improves but remains in contraction
SMU’s Steel Demand Index remains in contraction, according to late October indicators. Though growth faded at a slower pace, it rebounded from one of the lowest readings year-to-date from earlier in the month.