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    August 21, 2026

    SMU Survey: Steel buyers remain highly optimistic

    Written by Brett Linton

    Steel buyers remained strongly confident in their companies’ prospects today and in the coming months, according to SMU’s latest market survey. Both of our Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices are holding near multi-year highs and have been historically strong for several months.  

    Every two weeks, SMU polls thousands of steel-industry executives asking them to rate their companies’ chances of success today and also three to six months down the road. Their responses are used to calculate our proprietary Current and Future Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices, measures tracked since 2008.

    Brett Linton

    Brett Linton is a digital operations analyst for Steel Market Update, where he began his career. Linton has been in the steel industry since 2010. He has held roles as a category manager and strategic insights director at Reibus before returning to SMU in 2024. He is a graduate of The University of North Georgia with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Brett can be reached at brett@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-314-0179.

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