Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
May 6, 2019
I got a call earlier today asking about a steel publication changing the direction of some of their flat rolled pricing. I responded that I don’t read the other trade publications, and I don’t follow their indices. I do not want to be influenced as I go through the always difficult, and sometimes tedious, process of determining where I am seeing spot pricing on flat rolled and plate steels. We reported our price ranges at the beginning of tonight’s issue and we will continue to watch pricing on an almost continual basis, looking for signs of a change in direction or in the speed at which we are seeing prices move.
I will be in Chicago beginning tomorrow (Wednesday) and will return to the office on Friday afternoon. I will be attending the Metals Industry Boy Scout Dinner on Thursday evening at the Hyatt. If you would like to speak to me while I am in Chicago, shoot me an email: John@SteelMarketUpdate.com I believe I have some time available on Thursday morning and mid-afternoon prior to the dinner event.
I understand there are still tickets available for the Metals Industry Boy Scout Dinner on Thursday. For more information click here. Tell them Lori Hahn sent you….
Next week I will be in Davenport, Iowa, for our next Steel 101 workshop (still have a couple of seats available) and later in the week I will be in Minnesota.
The week after that I will be in Atlanta for three days as I am speaking at a manufacturing company function along with the CRU Chief North American Economist. If your organization is interested in having me or our group speak or put on an educational program, please contact me at John@SteelMarketUpdate.com
We published our “Flash” report to service center inventory data providers today. This information is only available to our data providers. If you are a service center and you would like to participate in our inventory analysis (on a strictly confidential basis), please contact me. We are covering flat rolled and plate products in the United States.
I want to welcome our newest member companies to Steel Market Update. Please be aware that I encourage questions, comments and suggestions. This is one way we improve our product, and many times we get leads on what subjects we should be covering from our readers. Welcome aboard.
If you would like to become a member or would like to renew or upgrade your existing membership, please contact Paige Mayhair at 724-720-1012 or Paige@SteelMarketUpdate.com
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?