Steel Mills

"Formidable Challenges" Result in Losses for JSW
Written by Sandy Williams
July 24, 2020
India-based steelmaker JSW Steel posted its first loss in six years in Q1 of FY 2021 after what it called “formidable challenges” related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The quarter was marked by “disrupted supply chains, unparalleled drop in demand and activity levels in the domestic markets, uncertainty in seamless inbound and outbound logistics movement, and liquidity constraints.” Net loss for the company was INR 582 crore ($77.8 million).
The company’s U.S. divisions contributed to the quarterly loss as COVID 19 and a weak energy market impacted operations in Texas and Ohio.
JSW Baytown posted an EBITDA loss of $11.4 million on revenue of $46.35 million. The plate mill operated at 23 percent capacity producing 57,035 tons for the quarter and posting sales of 53,210 tons. Baytown’s pipe mill operated at a 3 percent utilization rate producing 4,611 tons for the quarter.
Hot rolled coil production at the Mingo Junction, Ohio, mill totaled 26,954 tons with HRC sales of 48,865 tons. Revenue was $29.39 million for an operating loss of $12.54 million. The operations in Ohio are temporarily idled for a furnace upgrade that will improve reliability and lower conversion costs, the company said.

Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Steel Mills

Hybar lowers output forecast, owning up to EAF startup delay
Hybar LLC’s rebar mill in Osceola, Ark., is now melting scrap and will soon be fulfilling orders, according to CEO David Stickler, despite a six-to-eight-week delay caused by commissioning the world’s first Aura electrical system.

Steel Dynamics guides to more metal, more money in Q3
Steel Dynamics Inc. is bullish heading into the close of the third quarter, with all three of its operating segments tracking higher.

AHMSA opens doors to potential buyers as $1.3B asset auction nears
AHMSA is opening its doors to potential buyers to tour its steel plant and mining operations in northern Mexico in preparation for the next stage of its bankruptcy process: the auction of its assets.

USW seeks clarity on USS plans for Granite City Works
The United Steelworkers union has asked U.S. Steel to elaborate on its Granite City Works plans following reports that the steelmaker is ending processing at the facility.

Nucor maintains plate prices, opens October order book
Nucor aims to keep plate prices flat for a seventh straight month with the opening of its October order book.