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    Reliance: Insulated From Steel Price Swings, Targeting M&A

    Written by David Schollaert


    Though steel prices might down from the historic highs of 2021, Reliance Steel and Aluminum sees its diverse product portfolio and end markets as a buffer, executives said during an earnings call with analysts on Thursday, July 28.

    “Our product breadth is so diverse, which is part of the strategy and design,” company president Karla Lewis said. “We have limited exposure to carbon flat rolled, specifically hot-rolled coil, which is where you saw the most price destruction during the quarter.”

    David Schollaert

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    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.