Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
March 18, 2019
On my way back to the USA following a good meeting with the folks at Ternium in Mexico. More to follow later.
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Companies are beginning to register for our next Steel 101: Introduction to Steel Making & Market Fundamentals workshop, which will be held in Davenport, Iowa, on May 14-15, with the kind cooperation of SSAB Americas. The classroom sessions on the making and marketing of steel products will be complemented by a tour of the SSAB mill. For anyone who has never seen a steel mill in operation, this will be an unforgettable experience.
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John Packard, President & CEO
John Packard
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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).
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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.
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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.
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What should you keep your eye on, considering the latest geopolitical events?