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    Analysis

    Steel exports slip to 10-month low in October

    Written by Brett Linton


    US steel exports declined further in October to the lowest monthly rate recorded this year, according to recently released US Department of Commerce data. The volume of steel exiting the country has declined for two months in a row after reaching a one-year high in August. On an annualized basis, steel exports have trended downward since February but remain strong relative to volumes seen over the past five years.

    Steel exports declined 2% month on month (m/m) to 744,000 short tons (st) in October, 12% lower than the August peak. October exports were 7% less than the average monthly rate of 2024 to date (797,000 st), but 2% greater than the same month last year (728,000 st).

    Brett Linton

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    SMU Survey: Current Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Index up, Future Sentiment flat

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    Fed Beige Book finds stronger steel, machinery demand but rising cost pressure

    Manufacturing activity improved in several Federal Reserve districts, but conditions remained mixed nationwide, according to the Fed’s Oct. 14 Beige Book report. Demand was strongest in steel, machinery, defense-related products, and data center infrastructure. Steel producers in the Cleveland District reported firm spot market demand. Data center, power-generation, defense, and aerospace projects supported orders. Long mill lead times kept customer inventories lean and prices high. Producers also reported higher orders from truck-trailer and light-vehicle manufacturers. International demand for hydrogen vehicle parts increased.

    Final Thoughts: Sheet prices and lead times are climbing, so are inventories and imports

    On the face of it, nothing much changed in the US steel market this week. Lead times continue to extend. Inventories remain lean. And mills can pretty much name their price. Sheet lead times, which extend well into December, remain at the highest levels we’ve seen since 2021. Plate lead times, meanwhile, set a new record. At 11 weeks on average, they’re higher than anything we’ve recorded – including during the boom year of ’21.