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    December 15, 2023

    SMU steel demand index edges up

    Written by David Schollaert

    Steel Market Update’s Steel Demand Index has moved into growth territory, but barely, after recovering slightly from our reading in late November, according to our latest survey data.

    The latest developments come on the heels of more mill price increases – still targeting $1,100 per ton base for hot-rolled coil. However, lead times have edged lower for the first time since September, and steel buyers have reported some willingness from mills to negotiate lower prices.

    David Schollaert

    David Schollaert is deputy editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. David joined SMU after more than a decade in the metals and mining industry in a myriad of different roles. Much of his early experience and expertise were within the coverage and analysis of steel-making raw materials and served previously as senior editor of the CRU Prices Service. Most recently, however, before his return to market analysis, David held roles as a metals buyer and an operations manager for raw material suppliers. He can be contacted at david@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-720-1008.

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