Analysis
March 20, 2026
Written by Brett Linton
SMU’s Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices both increased this week, suggesting that steel buyers are highly optimistic for their businesses’ chances for current and future success.
The Current Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Index ticked up to the highest rate recorded in the last 13 months. The Future Buyers’ Sentiment Index also increased, nearing one of its strongest levels of the past year.
SMU’s Mill Order Index (MOI) accelerated in August for a fourth consecutive month, reaching its strongest reading in nearly five years.
Worthington Enterprises reported higher fiscal first-quarter sales and earnings while citing rapidly growing data center demand and continued tightness in the steel market.
Sheet and plate prices continued to tick mostly higher this week amid a supply squeeze that shows no signs of loosening its grip on the US market.
This October, SMU is introducing a new way to keep you informed on the latest steel market news and insights: the Daily Digest. Beginning in mid-October, our new Daily Digest will replace the three newsletters currently delivered each week.
The scrap market for October is looking for direction as some participants on both sides of the furnace are indicating scrap prices are poised for an increase.