Final Thoughts: Stronger for longer still in effect

SMU released its latest flat-rolled steel market survey results on Friday. The main takeaway: the stronger for longer narrative is still very much in the house.

Another one: We’re finally starting to see evidence of a broader-based restock among service centers, maybe even a historic one – if they can find the tons, that is. You might say that’s risky if you think prices are near a peak. But it’s also overdue.

Michael Cowden

Michael Cowden is editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. Cowden has covered the steel industry since 2007. He specializes in flat-rolled steel but has also reported on steel long products, steel pipe and tube, and aluminum. Before joining SMU, Cowden held reporting jobs at Fastmarkets AMM in Chicago, the Associated Press in Pittsburgh, and the Cambodia Daily in Phnom Penh. He has also worked as a copy editor and in marketing at the University of Chicago Press. Cowden has a BA in English from the University of Chicago and an MSJ journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Contact him at michael@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-759-7872.