Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
June 11, 2018
I (and the SMU team) are firmly ensconced in trying to learn all we can about our new owners the CRU Group, while at the same time answering questions from them about our products and services and how we can provide the most value to our members. One of the first things that came up is the CRU Group briefing, which will be held in New York City on June 25.
I will be heading to New York City on the 25th of June as I will be participating in the CRU Group Briefing, which is being held at the Westin Times Square Hotel that afternoon. The CRU Group is inviting any of the Steel Market Update member companies to join them at this free event. You can register for the CRU Group briefing by going to this link: http://bit.ly/2JDdMnN
I have sat in on a recent CRU Group webinar about the Section 232 issues affecting the steel and aluminum markets and it was quite good. I think our SMU members who are traveling to NYC for the various meetings would enjoy joining us at the Westin on Monday afternoon. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at John@SteelMarketUpdate.com
If you use Google Chrome as your web browser, you may have experienced an issue registering for the SMU Steel Summit Conference. It is due to a security update; if you update your browser you will be able to register on our website. If you have any issues, contact Brett Linton at 706-216-2140.
I will also be at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch dinner on Monday evening, June 25th in New York City.
On the 26th of June, Diana and I will be traveling to London for the first time to meet the staff at the CRU headquarters. Prior to going to London, I will be traveling to Pittsburgh next week to meet the CRU staff here in the United States.
As always, your business is truly appreciated by all of us here at Steel Market Update.
John Packard, President & CEO

John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in Final Thoughts

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.

Final Thoughts
United Airlines raised eyebrows earlier this month when it provided two forecasts for 2025 – one assuming a relatively stable economy and another assuming a recession. The reason? Uncertainty around the impact of President Trump’s policy shocks on the broader economy. And it sometimes feels like we’re seeing a battle between those two narratives (stable vs recession) play out within in the pages of this newsletter.