Steel Products

Speaker Profile: Alan Beaulieu--"Light at the End of the Tunnel"
Written by Sandy Williams
July 20, 2020
Economist Alan Beaulieu, president of ITR Economics, will again be a keynote presenter during the SMU Steel Summit 2020 virtual conference, providing insight on the economy, impact of the pandemic and what we can expect in 2021 and beyond.
With more than 30 years’ experience in economic analysis, Beaulieu has been delivering accurate and straightforward forecasts while proving that economists can have a sense of humor.
In a recent blog for ITR, “Light at the End of the Tunnel,” Beaulieu writes that economic signs as of July are “actually quite good.”
“One of the things that jumps out at me is that the world, not just the United States, is seeing some light at the end of the tunnel, should trends continue.”
“Jobs seem to be coming back. Freight is moving, which means demand. The world seems to be picking up speed. The one thing we’re waiting for is for the second wave to come or not come, and for retail sales to show some more strength. Are we on the right path? Looks that way. It’s a good beginning to July. Stay tuned. We’ll have more data for you down the road.”
Stay tuned, indeed. Register for the SMU 2020 Steel Summit Virtual Conference here for more economic insights from Beaulieu as well as from a strong lineup of speakers on topics ranging from steel prices to recruiting the next generation of leaders. See you (virtually) on Aug. 24-26.

Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Steel Products

US and Canadian rig counts stabilize
US counts continue to hover just above historic lows, while Canadian figures remain comparatively healthy.

Plate market sources critique mill hikes amid current market conditions
Following spot market plate price increase notices issued by domestic mills this past week, participants are contemplating the rationale behind the increases and whether they will stick. Some sources anticipate that current market conditions will shift in November and believe the increases may set a new "pricing floor."

Oregon Steel Mills lifts plate prices by $60/ton
Oregon Steel Mills has joined other producers in announcing a price increase of at least $60 per short ton on steel plate.

CRU: Construction of pilot plant for green steel process starts
Voestalpine and partners have begun building an industrial-scale Hy4Smelt demonstration plant in Linz, Austria, which they hope will become key in the decarbonization of steel.

Rig count increases in the US and in Canada
Oil and gas drilling activity increased this week in the US and Canada for the third consecutive week, according to the latest Baker Hughes rig count data. US counts continue to hover just above historic lows, while Canadian figures remain comparatively healthy.