• Skip to main content

    Canada

    August 29, 2021

    U.S. Active Drill Rig Counts Continue to Rise, Canada Slips

    Written by Brett Linton

    The number of active oil and gas drill rigs increased in the U.S. this past week, while Canadian rigs declined, according to data released on Friday afternoon by oilfield services company Baker Hughes. The rig count is important to the steel industry because it is a leading indicator of oil country tubular goods demand.

    The number of active U.S. rigs rose by 5 to 508 rigs, with oil rigs up 5, gas rigs unchanged, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged. Compared to this time last year, this week’s count is up 254 rigs, with oil rigs up 230, gas rigs up 25, and miscellaneous rigs down 1. See the first graph below for a history of active U.S. rig counts.

    Brett Linton

    Brett Linton is a digital operations analyst for Steel Market Update, where he began his career. Linton has been in the steel industry since 2010. He has held roles as a category manager and strategic insights director at Reibus before returning to SMU in 2024. He is a graduate of The University of North Georgia with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Brett can be reached at brett@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-314-0179.

    Read more from Brett Linton

    Latest in Canada

    USW president says trade conflict hurting workers in US, Canada

    United Steelworkers (USW) International President Roxanne Brown urged US and Canadian trade representatives to reach an agreement that puts working families first. Her words come as trade talks between the two nations remain at an impasse, and escalating tensions have led to new tariffs on both sides. “This conflict is hurting jobs. It’s hurting facilities. It’s hurting communities. And it’s creating uncertainty for workers and families in both countries,” Brown said at a press event on Tuesday.

    Galvanized buyers report severe supply strain

    Service centers and manufacturers on the Sept. 15 HARDI Sheet Metal and Air Handling Council call described a tight, seller-driven market. Lead times are long, deliveries are late, inventories are thin, imports are down, and demand is strong, causing a shortage of galvanized material. SMU regularly joins the council’s meetings to discuss the galvanized sheet market. Participants — members of Heating, Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) — are wholesalers, service centers, distributors, and manufacturers who buy or sell galvanized steel.