Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
April 13, 2018
On Monday, April 16 we will begin our mid-April flat rolled steel market trends analysis. Our goal is to be able to spot changes in pricing, demand, negotiations, sentiment and many other trends that ultimately affect steel prices in North America. If you receive an invitation to participate please answer the first question which will then take you to the rest of the questions being asked of your industry group this week. If you want to be added to the invitee list please contact us at info@SteelMarketUpdate.com
A reminder that our Steel 101 workshop in Memphis, Tennessee still has plenty of room in it. I think this will be a special one since we are going to tour two Nucor mills – Hickman and Nucor-Yamato. I want to thank Nucor for working with us on this workshop as well as other Steel 101’s in the past. The workshop cost is $2,000 per person with a $100 per person discount for SMU member companies and another $100 per person discount for those companies sending two or more people. Details are on our website: www.SteelMarketUpdate.com/events/steel101 and you can register online or you are welcome to contact our offices at 772-932-7538. If you have any questions I would be happy to answer them for you. Send them to: John@SteelMarketUpdate.com.
As always, your business is truly appreciated by all of us here at Steel Market Update.
John Packard, Publisher
John Packard
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Final Thoughts
Cliffs came tantalizing close to buying U.S. Steel in 2023. There were rumors in 2024 that Cliffs might buy NLMK USA before it ultimately purchased Stelco for $2.5 billion in November of last year. Who would have thought that asset sales would have been the focal point of discussion just six months later?
Final Thoughts
Given the news about tariffs and bringing back industries to the US, a brief look back in time may show how our economy changes with technological advances and the shifting economies of scale.
Final Thoughts
We’ve talked about tariffs ad nauseam for much of the year. And I’m afraid this topic isn’t going away anytime soon. There’s a feeling that the tariff “can” will just be kicked down the road again and again, and again.
Final Thoughts
Can technology help with pig iron and DRI/HBI tariffs?
Final Thoughts
Tariff-related noise aside, there is one basic factor keeping buyers on the sidelines. Despite recent declines, HR prices remain at historically high levels. And there is no obvious support to keep them there.