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
I’m not sure how many different ways I can write that it’s been a quiet market ahead of Independence Day. There are variations on that theme. I’ve heard everything from the ominous “eerily quiet” to "getting better" and even the occasional “blissfully unaware” (because I’m enjoying my vacation).

Final Thoughts
What's going to be the next big thing in steel?

Final Thoughts
Based on the amount of ‘out of office’ replies we’ve been receiving and the results of this week’s steel buyers’ survey, those pesky summer doldrums have arrived for the steel industry.

Final Thoughts
Maybe some of this uncertainty will get ironed out ahead of Liberation Day tariffs resetting higher rates on July 9. But if I had to place a wager, it would be on more drama and last-minute brinksmanship - whether it comes to the Liberation Day tariffs or the various Section 232s that are in the works.

Final Thoughts
What should you keep your eye on, considering the latest geopolitical events?