Category: Distributors/Service Centers

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

Some domestic plate market sources expect spot price rises through the end of the year due to prolonged supply constraints.

US service centers’ flat-rolled steel supply was down marginally in June, and lower for a sixth straight month. Shipping days of supply slipped to 44.5, according to SMU data.

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.

Worthington Steel has opened the acceptance period for its public delisting tender offer for all outstanding Kloeckner & Co SE shares.

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.

On the heels of SSAB’s price hike, further domestic mill increases to spot market plate seem inevitable to some participants but unlikely to others. 

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

Canada’s Varsteel Ltd. has acquired Acier Quebec-Maritimes Inc., a steel and aluminum service center in Riviere-du-Loup, Quebec.

Limited spot product and extended lead times continue to characterize the domestic plate market, prolonging upward price pressure.

Target Steel and Target Metal Blanking are expanding into Mexico.

North American steel buyers are navigating a market where demand is firming, but import activity remains cautious. Buyers reported mixed import activity in SMU’s June 26 flat-rolled steel buyers’ survey.

Flack Global Metals (FGM) has consolidated Pacesetter Steel Service under the FGM brand, finalizing the group’s formal transition, the company said on Friday.

“Ohio Strip Steel reflects who we are today and where we’re going,” the Dover, Ohio-based company said.

During Worthington Steel’s fiscal fourth-quarter earnings call on June 25, company executives cited interest rates as a market headwind.

Worthington Steel swung to a loss in its fiscal fourth quarter as the company completed its acquisition of Germany-based Kloeckner & Co.

Galvanized sheet buyers and distributors report that strong demand and constrained supply persist, exerting upward pressure on prices.

US sheet prices continue to move higher on extremely limited spot availability, solid demand, and extended lead times.

Leeco Steel has announced changes to two regional operational manager positions.

A profile of Hascall Steel's Ava Hascall.

Hot-rolled coil market participants report little disruption to their contact volumes, finding timely spot HR proved less straightforward, some sources told SMU. 

Some domestic plate market participants recently voiced concerns that current market conditions will impact fabrication and manufacturing, which rely on steady product supply.   

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

SMU’s Mill Order Index recovered in May, reclaiming some momentum lost the month prior.

SMU’s June 12 Flat-Rolled Steel Buyers’ Survey shows a divided steel community on the effects of President Trump’s tariff policies, emerging but uneven signs of reshoring, and near-universal cost pressures tied to the Iran conflict.

US service centers’ flat-rolled steel supply declined for a fourth straight month in May, with shipping days of supply slipping to 44.7 on an adjusted basis, according to SMU data.

Summer doldrums? Not this year! SMU’s latest steel market survey indicates that an increasing number of steel buyers think prices will continue to rise along with the mercury.

Friedman Industries posted record sales, higher volumes, and sharply improved earnings in fiscal 2026. This was driven by stronger demand, higher average selling prices, and continued contributions from its Century Metals acquisition.

SMU’s Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices remained strongly optimistic this week and continue to indicate that buyers are confident in their companies’ prospects.

Fresh off the closing of Worthington Steel’s acquisition of Kloeckner & Co., Worthington President and CEO Geoff Gilmore sat down with SMU to reflect on the transaction and outline the path forward.