Steel imports historically weak through December and January
Steel imports slowed further in December and January to some of the lowest volumes recorded in recent years.
Category: Market Data
SMU Steel Demand Index dips, remains in expansion
SMU’s Steel Demand Index slipped from earlier in the month, but remains above expansion territory, according to late-February indicators.
AISI: Raw steel production climbs to four-year high
The amount of raw steel produced by US mills rose to the highest level recorded in over four years, according to AISI's latest figures.
N. American auto assemblies improved in January
North American auto assemblies recovered in January, up nearly 12% vs. December, though down more than 2% year on year (y/y), according to GlobalData.
Rig count unchanged in US, up in Canada
The latest Baker Hughes rig count report shows steady drilling for oil and gas in the US, while drilling in Canada improved slightly.
SMU Survey: Buyers' sentiment remains upbeat
SMU's Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices continue to show that steel buyers are optimistic for their businesses’ chances of success.
SMU flat-rolled market survey results now available
SMU’s latest steel buyers market survey results are now available on our website to all premium members.
SMU Mill Order Index climbs further in January
SMU’s Mill Order Index (MOI) rose again in January, maintaining momentum from the month prior. The increase came as service center intake levels ticked up, supported by a jump in shipments, according to our latest service center inventories data.
HARDI: Galv market conditions signal firmer terrain in 2026
The galvanized steel market is navigating price increases and longer lead times with a surer footing than in prior months.
ABI tumbles as architectural billings soften further
The AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) tumbled in January, as business softened further at architectural firms across the US.
SMU Survey: Sheet and plate lead times inch higher
Hot rolled and galvanized lead times are about half a week longer than they were three months ago, while production times for cold rolled, Galvalume, and plate products are one to two weeks longer.
US scrap prices increase in February, sources say
US ferrous scrap prices continued to rise in February, scrap sources told SMU.
SMU Survey: Mills continue to hold firm on prices, most buyers say
Since late 2025, mills have begun to hold a firmer stance on prices, tightening their grip at the start of this year and holding on since
Market expects mill hikes to stick as seasonal demand increases: plate sources
Once wintery weather gives way to sunnier spring conditions, plate sources foresee the market accepting the $50-60 per short ton spot price increases issued by Nucor Plate Group, Oregon Steel Mills, and SSAB.
January service center shipments and inventories report
Premium SMU Content: US service centers’ flat-rolled steel supply declined in January, after trending higher in December. Shipping days of supply slipped to 58.5 on an adjusted basis at the end of January, according to SMU data. Flat roll supply eased in January after reaching its second-highest total for 2025 in December. The result is also a noticeable decline from 66.0 shipping days in January 2025, and a three-year low.
AISI: Domestic output jumps to multi-year high
Raw steel production ramped up last week to one of the highest weekly rates recorded in the last four years, according to recently released American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) data.
Heating and cooling equipment shipments rebound through December
Following November’s nine-year low, heating and cooling equipment shipments rebounded 19% in December.
Rig count flat in US, slips in Canada
The latest Baker Hughes rig count report shows steady drilling for oil and gas in the US, while drilling in Canada slowed slightly.
Nucor aims to hike plate prices by $50/ton
Nucor on Friday announced plans to increase plate prices by $50 per short ton (st).
CRU: US prices move higher on supply squeeze
CRU: US Midwest sheet prices have continued to rise from our mid-January assessment.
Steel market chatter this week
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 Price Ranges: Sheet moves higher, plate stable
SMU’s sheet price indices inched up to new multi-month highs this week, while plate prices held steady.
AISI: Raw steel production increases to 5-month high
Domestic mill output ramped up last week to a five-month high, according to the latest production data released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Production has held strong in recent weeks following the multi-month lows seen at the end of the year.
Apparent steel supply tumbled to a multi-year low in November
November apparent steel supply declined 9% or 772,000 short tons (st) from October to 7.61 million st, the lowest measure recorded since February 2021
Plate market participants anticipate mill price hikes
Plate market participants expect domestic producers to issue a $40-60 per short ton (st) price increase.
Dodge: Nonres slips in January, data centers remain a bright spot
The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) fell 6.2% in January to 272.7, retreating from December’s downwardly revised reading of 291.0, according to the latest data released by Dodge Construction Network.
Baker Hughes: US, Canada gas drilling up, oil down from last year
Baker Hughes' latest rig count report shows oil and gas drilling picked up in the US this week, but slowed in Canada. Oil drilling in both countries is down from last year, while gas drilling has picked up, mainly in the US.
SMU Steel Survey: Buyers’ Sentiment Indices slip but still indicate optimism
SMU’s Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices both edged lower this week following the multi-month highs set in mid-January.
US steel exports down to 5-year low in November
November steel exports tumbled 15% from October to the lowest monthly export rate since July 2020.
SMU flat-rolled market survey results now available
SMU’s latest steel buyers market survey results are now available on our website to all premium members. After logging in at steelmarketupdate.com, visit the pricing and analysis tab and look under the “survey results” section for “latest survey results.” Past survey results are also available under that selection. If you need help accessing the survey results, or if […]