Service Center Shipments and Inventories Report for March

We had to change the way we calculate the adjusted data, which will also change how we derive our analysis. Previously, we adjusted the data to mirror the exact mix of service centers that responded to the previous month’s survey. We saw a decrease in participation in the March survey, which we can understand given the business uncertainty created by Covid-19. To continue to provide analytically valuable data, we are going to normalize data for 100% participation in the survey. We rely on the consistent participation of our survey partners to help us create robust data to track industry trends. Going forward, we will compare adjusted figures to the previous month’s adjusted figures, and we encourage readers to pay more attention to the calculations, such as shipping days of supply. More consistency in our data collection and this calculation change also will allow us to begin tracking a new indicator – intake. Thanks to our data providers for making this possible.

Flat Rolled = 54.5 Shipping Days of Supply

Estelle Tran

Estelle Tran is a senior analyst at CRU based in Pittsburgh. Estelle joined CRU as a steel and ferroalloy prices analyst in October 2017. She is the main contact for data providers who contribute to the CRU Midwest flat-rolled steel indices. She is also the editor of the Steel Monitor and analyzes the monthly service center inventories report for Steel Market Update. Prior to joining CRU, Estelle worked at S&P Global Platts, reporting on flat-rolled steel, long steel, primary aluminum and trade issues. She earned a B.A. in English writing and history from the University of Pittsburgh. Estelle is also past president of the Pittsburgh chapter of the Association of Women in the Metal Industries and the Northeast regional vice chair.