Market Segment
May 4, 2022
Written by Michael Cowden
Ryerson reported sharply higher profits on increased prices and despite lower year-over-year (YoY) shipment volumes.
The Chicago-based service center predicted a strong second quarter as well but forecast that average selling prices might be flat or up only modestly.
The plate market squeeze has undoubtedly been driven by improved demand backed by heightened import barriers, including 50% Section 232 tariffs.
Metalformers’ optimism softened in the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) September Business Conditions Report.
SMU’s latest Flat-Rolled Steel Buyers Survey shows that in a tight US market marked by long lead times, low inventories, and rising prices, foreign products continue to gain the interest of domestic buyers.
Domestic raw steel output fell to a six-month low last week after hitting a multi-year high one week earlier, according to the latest American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) figures.
The proposed Hyundai-POSCO steel mill in Louisiana has been approved for up to $1.3 billion in bond financing, according to state records and local media reports.