Category: Premium

After slumping in December to the lowest total since July 2021, February assemblies further expanded on January’s growth.

US light-vehicle (LV) sales increased to an unadjusted 1.22 million units in February, a 9.9% gain over January but 0.7% behind year-ago totals, according to US Bureau of Economic Analysis data.

Prices for five of the seven steelmaking raw materials tracked by SMU increased from February to March, according to our latest analysis.

Flat rolled = 58.6 shipping days of supply Plate = 49 shipping days of supply Flat rolled With the rapid run up in prices, US service centers saw a significant pickup in orders that caused flat-rolled steel supply to decline in February. At the end of February, service centers carried 58.6 shipping days of flat-rolled […]

North American auto assemblies recovered in January, surging 33.4% above December and rebounding from a three-year low. However, according to LMC Automotive data, assemblies were still 0.1% lower year on year (y/y). After slumping in December to the lowest total since July 2021, January’s assemblies returned to typical seasonal levels. Sentiment remains tempered as carmakers […]

Prices for six of the seven steelmaking raw materials SMU tracks are increased from January to February, according to our latest analysis.

US light-vehicle (LV) sales slowed to an unadjusted 1.11 million units in January, a sharp cut of over 25% from December but still 3.8% above year-ago totals, according to US Bureau of Economic Analysis data. On an annualized basis, LV sales were 15.6 million units in January, down from 16.9 million units the month prior […]

Flat rolled = 66 shipping days of supply Plate = 54.3 shipping days of supply Flat rolled US service center flat-rolled steel supply declined in January month on month (m/m) but is up about 10% year on year (y/y), according to SMU data. At the end of January, US service centers carried 66 shipping days […]

In this Premium analysis we examine North American oil and natural gas prices, drill rig activity, and crude oil stock levels. Trends in energy prices and rig counts serve as leading indicators for oil country tubular goods (OCTG) and line pipe demand.

North American auto assemblies dropped in December, a sharp 22.6% fall below November, reaching the lowest mark in over three years. Assemblies were also down 5.7% year on year (y/y), according to LMC Automotive data. December’s assemblies reached the lowest total since July 2021. Sentiment remains tempered as carmakers continue to downgrade and adjust vehicle […]

US light-vehicle (LV) sales jumped to an unadjusted 1.49 million units in December, a rise of 9.6% from November and 2% from a year ago, according to data from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis. On an annualized basis, LV sales were 16.8 million units in December, up from 15.6 million units the month prior […]

Repeated mill price hikes this week may have stopped the bleeding and could signal a rebound.

Prices for the seven steelmaking raw materials SMU tracks moved in differing directions from December to January, according to our latest analysis.

Recent Federal Reserve data indicates that the US manufacturing sector remains healthy and stable. The strength of the manufacturing economy has a direct relationship to the health of the steel industry.

In this Premium analysis we cover North American oil and natural gas prices, drilling rig activity, and crude oil stock levels. Trends in energy prices and active rig counts are leading demand indicators for oil country tubular goods (OCTG), line pipe and other steel products.

Flat rolled = 77.1 shipping days of supply Plate = 58.1 shipping days of supply Flat rolled Flat-rolled steel supply at US service centers ballooned in December with higher inventories as well as seasonally lower shipments. At the end of December, service centers carried 77.1 shipping days of flat-rolled steel supply on an adjusted basis, […]

Steel Market Update is pleased to share this Premium content with Executive members. For information on how to upgrade to a Premium-level subscription, contact info@steelmarketupdate.com. Flat rolled = 61.4 shipping days of supply Plate = 50.5 shipping days of supply Flat rolled Flat-rolled steel supply at US service centers remains seasonally high. November inventories edged down […]

Trends in energy prices and active rig counts are leading demand indicators for oil country tubular goods (OCTG), line pipe and other steel products

Steel Market Update’s Steel Demand Index recovered by nearly 10 points last week, though it still remains in contraction territory.

Output from steel mills around the globe totaled 152.1 million metric tons (mt) in October, the highest monthly rate recorded since July.

Prices were stable to down in November for all seven steelmaking raw materials tracked by SMU, according to our latest analysis.

North American auto assemblies rallied in October, rising 11.3% above September, reaching the best output year to date. Assemblies were also up 7% year on-year (y/y), according to LMC Automotive data.

In this Premium analysis we cover North American oil and natural gas prices, drilling rig activity, and crude oil stock levels. Trends in energy prices and rig counts are an advance indicator of demand for oil country tubular goods (OCTG), line pipe and other steel products.

According to data from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis, US light-vehicle (LV) sales accelerated to an unadjusted 1.33 million units in October, a rise of 1.7% from September and 10.6% from a year ago.

Flat rolled = 63.4 shipping days of supply Plate = 52.4 shipping days of supply Flat rolled shipments and inventories Flat-rolled steel supply at US service centers remains seasonally high. October inventories increased after edging lower in September – a dynamic driven largely by disappointing demand. October’s report reflects lower demand and stable lead times […]

Steelmaking raw material prices strengthened for all but one product in October, a change in pace compared to recent months, according to SMU’s latest analysis.

Steel sheet prices mostly edged lower for a second week, while plate prices slipped for the third consecutive week.

North American auto assemblies fell by nearly 7% from August, but were still ahead of July’s 20-month low. Assemblies were also down just under 1% year on year (y/y), according to LMC Automotive data.

Flat rolled = 60.8 shipping days of supply Plate = 52.7 shipping days of supply Flat rolled Flat-rolled steel supply at US service centers declined in September, though still seasonally high. September’s report reflects lower demand, stable lead times, and restocking early in the third quarter at a perceived bottom in prices. At the end […]

US light-vehicle (LV) sales fell to an unadjusted 1.17 million units in September, down 12.8% from a year ago, the US Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported. Despite the year-on-year (y/y) drop, domestic LV sales rose 3.3% month on month (m/m).