Category: Manufacturers/End Users

More than 1,200 workers at National Steel Car in Hamilton, Ontario, went on strike last week following the rejection of a contract offer, according to a report by CBC News on Aug. 13.

The latest Baker Hughes data shows drilling activity picked up in the US last week while edging higher in Canada.

Total shipments of heating and cooling equipment improved 10% from May to June, according to the latest figures from the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). The improved month-on-month (m/m) pace also marks the highest shipment rate of the past two years.

Foreign steel remains sharply competitive, inventory levels are mostly steady, and demand is strengthening, according to SMU's Aug. 7 market survey. But buyers are more selective than earlier in the year, even as pricing momentum continues to push spot levels higher.

Ford Motor Co. announced it will reshore production of Lincoln-brand vehicles as part of its commitment to American manufacturing.

Earlier this week, SMU polled steel buyers on an array of topics, ranging from market prices, demand, and inventories to tariffs, imports, and evolving market events. We are sharing a selection of the comments we received below, in each buyer’s own words.

Baker Hughes' latest data shows US oil and gas drilling activity was steady this week at a multi-year high, while activity slowed slightly in Canada.

Recent conversations with some hot-rolled coil spot market participants revealed spiking stress levels amidst a tightening supply of the steel sheet product.

The Longview, Texas-based flat-rolled processor and pipe manufacturer reported 206,000 short tons of shipments in the quarter, an increase of 28% from a year earlier.

The results of the latest SMU flat-rolled market survey are now available on our website to all premium members.

In recent conversations, some participants predict mill maintenance outages and scheduled updates will crimp an already constricted market.

The US manufacturing sector picked up steam in July, with the Institute for Supply Management's Manufacturing PMI rising 2.3 points in July.

Drilling activity increased in both the US and Canada this week, touching new multi-month highs, according to recently released Baker Hughes figures.

The Chicago Business Barometer increased in July, maintaining an expansionary trend for a third straight month.

Earlier this week, SMU polled steel buyers on an array of topics, ranging from market prices, demand, and inventories to tariffs, imports, and evolving market events.

PMA found the metalforming sector remains broadly stable but is becoming more cautious in its July Business Conditions Report.

Foreign steel is gaining traction with US buyers, according to SMU's most recent Flat-Rolled Steel Survey. Most manufacturers and service centers now report competitive pricing, and more are placing new foreign orders.

SMU’s Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices indicate that buyers remain confident in their companies’ prospects today and in the near future.

The results of the latest SMU flat-rolled market survey are now available on our website to all premium members.

SMU’s Mill Order Index 2continued to expand in June. The result came as service center on-order volumes and new order entries continue to rise, according to our latest service center inventories data.

Spot market absorbs price hikes amidst booming plate demand 

Atlas Tube announced price increases for mechanical, HSS, and piling products.

Some hot-rolled coil market participants said they're optimistic that the market will remain strong throughout the rest of the year. 

Earlier this week, SMU polled steel buyers on an array of topics, ranging from market prices, demand, and inventories to tariffs, imports, and evolving market events.

SMU’s July 10 Flat-Rolled Steel Survey results paint a picture of a steel market being squeezed from every direction. Tariffs are holding prices up and giving mills a clear advantage, while manufacturers and traders say the policy is pushing their costs higher.

The latest data from Baker Hughes show that oil and gas drilling in the US was steady last week, while it tapered off further in Canada.

Total shipments of heating and cooling equipment improved 3% from April to May, according to recently released figures from AHRI.

The results of the latest SMU flat-rolled market survey are now available on our website to all premium members.

AZZ President and CEO Tom Ferguson said the Texas-based coil coating and galvanizing company is off to a great start in its 2027 fiscal year.

The Canadian government has selected a German firm to build submarines, passing on a contract from a South Korean company linked with Algoma Steel.