SMU Community Chat: Tariff-induced panic purchases, inflation, and calculating costs

Steel lead times remain stable amid volatile market conditions spurred by fear-induced purchasing sprees incited by tariff policies and trade uncertainties.

Tom Derry, chief executive of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), highlighted how reactive buying behavior has shifted the market into a period of quiet demand. He presented ISM data during Wednesday’s SMU Community Chat.

community chat
supply chain

Kristen DiLandro

Kristen DiLandro is a reporter for Steel Market Update. Kristen focuses on the micro and macro steel market conditions informing North American spot prices. Following her agency career in advertising, she attained an MFA in Writing from Savannah College of Art and Design. Kristen can be reached at kristen@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-221-8143.

Kristen DiLandro

Latest in Analysis

SMU Price Ranges: HR inches toward $1,300/t as spot squeeze continues

Coming soon: SMU Daily Digest newsletters

Scrap prices poised for October increase, or later?

SMU Survey: Tight US flat-rolled market boosts buyer interest in foreign steel

AISI: US production retreats after early September surge