Analysis
April 19, 2026
Written by Alan Price
This is an opinion column. The views in this article are those of an experienced trade attorney on issues of relevance to the steel market. They do not necessarily reflect those of SMU. We welcome you to share your thoughts as well at smu@crugroup.com.
The results of the latest Steel Market Update (SMU) flat-rolled market survey are now available on our website to all premium members.
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.
Steel mill lead times continued to expand for sheet and plate products this week, according to buyers responding to our latest market survey.
The overall mill negotiation rate ticked up slightly this week, but the overwhelming majority of buyers are still finding mills inflexible on price, according to our latest survey data.
The October market for domestic ferrous scrap is viewed with optimism mainly by participants on the selling side