Canada
July 5, 2021
Written by Michael Cowden
Algoma Steel is slated to receive as much as C$420 million ($340 million U.S.) from the Canadian government to help pay for its switch from integrated steelmaking to electric-arc furnace (EAF) production.
The amount will be distributed over four years and is aimed at making the Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario-based flat-rolled steelmaker one of the “greenest” in North America.
Varsteel Ltd. has acquired two additional steel and aluminum service centers in Canada. The Lethbridge, Alberta-based company has added to its portfolio Acier Simmonds of Sherbrooke, Quebec, and Acier Menard of Granby, Quebec. The acquisition builds on Varsteel’s three most recent acquisitions and further expands its market presence in Quebec.
The latest tally of active drilling rigs rebounded in the US and moved higher in Canada this week, according to oil and gas rig count data published by Baker Hughes. The US rig count rose by five to 603 rigs this week, reaching a 17-month high. Compared to this time last year, there are 56 more rigs in operation today.
Steel imports into the US crept higher in August and continued climbing in September, according to the Department of Commerce's latest import license data. August imports rose 3.4% from July to a 15-month high. September license data collected through Oct. 5 shows another 6.2% month-on-month increase. Imports continue to recover from some of the lowest levels since 2020, seen late last year through February this year.
Earlier this week, SMU polled steel buyers on topics ranging from market prices, demand, and inventories to tariffs, imports, and evolving market events. Below, we share a selection of the comments we received, in each buyer’s own words.
The Canadian government has reportedly given Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. five days to respond to a letter from Canadian Industry Minister Mélanie Joly about the Stelco layoffs or face legal action.