Community Events
June 18, 2020
Written by Sandy Williams
From a steel buyer’s perspective, the environment is relatively competitive now. Mills and service centers are hungry for business, said Donald Bly, managing director of Applied Value, during Wednesday’s SMU Community Chat Webinar.
Mill capacity utilization is down to about 53 percent, but still better than the 2008-2009 recession, he said. “It’s a good time to be on the buyer’s side.”
Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), will join SMU for a Community Chat webinar on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 11 a.m. ET. What will we talk about? On the one hand, a steel-intensive data center boom continues to outstrip even the most bullish steel-demand forecasts. On the other hand, some more traditional construction markets are struggling. What happens if the data boom falters?
Fresh off SMU Steel Summit 2026, we are already looking ahead to Tampa. Join industry peers on March 7–9, 2027, for the 38th annual Tampa Steel Conference in Tampa, Florida. The event brings together steel producers, distributors, service centers, ports, logistics providers, and market experts to connect, exchange perspectives, and take the pulse of the […]
This October, SMU is introducing a new way to keep you informed on the latest steel market news and insights: the Daily Digest. Beginning in mid-October, our new Daily Digest will replace the three newsletters currently delivered each week.
Vehicle affordability pressures are limiting growth in vehicle volumes, according to Mark Strand, deputy chief economist at Cox Automotive. SUVs, fleet activity, and aftermarket work could support steel demand, he told the audience last week at Steel Summit 2026 in Atlanta.
Panelists on the trade panel at SMU Steel Summit 2026 reflect on issues affecting the industry.