Final Thoughts

Final thoughts

Written by Brett Linton & Ethan Bernard


From integrated to EAF, from hot-dipped galv to cold-rolled sheet, to the reputable vacuum tank degasser, the steel industry definitely has its own jargon. And we know our readers know that lingo backwards and forwards. Rather than test you on it, we thought we’d do something different.

In this special “Two-sday” edition of our crossword feature, we’re looking at double-meanings of steel terms. You know, from another angle, not necessarily a right angle but hopefully a humorous one with a pun here and there. So, have a look at the clues below, and try to see how they relate to the world of steel.

Note: We are doing a steel-themed crossword every week leading up to our Steel 101 course on June 11-12 in Fort Wayne, Ind. The course includes a tour of SDI Butler, an EAF sheet mill. If you want to learn more about steelmaking or market fundamentals, this is the course for you.

Steel history

Did you know the month of May each year was dedicated to steel? Approved on Nov, 2, 1966, by a joint resolution, Congress established May as “Steelmark Month.” Also, on April 8, 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson called upon all the people of the country to observe the month every year. How are you celebrating?

Crossword

Click here to attempt this week’s “Two-sday” crossword.

Stumped? Click here to see the answers.

Brett Linton

Read more from Brett Linton

Ethan Bernard

Read more from Ethan Bernard

Latest in Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

As Wolfe Research’s Timna Tanners put it in her opening talk at Tampa on Monday afternoon, we’re living in a world of “Trumplications” now. That probably means – at least in the short term – higher scrap costs, lower imports from countries hit with or threated tariffs, and higher steel prices. SMU data reflects that. Scrap went up in January. More than 75% of the respondents to our more recent survey expect scrap to go up again February, maybe by a lot. Lead times, meanwhile, have been ticking upward this month. It started with hot-rolled coil and plate earlier this month. Now we’re seeing coated lead times extending too.