Contributor: David Schollaert

David Schollaert

David Schollaert is deputy editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. David joined SMU after more than a decade in the metals and mining industry in a myriad of different roles. Much of his early experience and expertise were within the coverage and analysis of steel-making raw materials and served previously as senior editor of the CRU Prices Service. Most recently, however, before his return to market analysis, David held roles as a metals buyer and an operations manager for raw material suppliers. He can be contacted at david@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-720-1008.

Little change in price gap between US HR, imports

SMU’s average price for domestic hot-rolled (HR) coil held at $785 per short ton (st) this week, unchanged week on week (w/w). A similar dynamic was seen in offshore markets last week as well.

US nonresidential construction down in August: Dodge

US nonresidential building starts fell 5.4% in August, to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $431 billion, according to the latest data released by Dodge Construction Network.

Nucor carries $875/ton HR list price into fifth week

Nucor kept hot-rolled (HR) coil prices unchanged this week, according to its latest consumer spot price (CSP) notice on Monday, Sept. 22.

Price gap between US CR, most imports narrows

Cold-rolled (CR) coil prices ticked up in the US this week, matching a similar trend seen in offshore markets as well.

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.

Final Thoughts

We’ve been talking about a potential inflection point for the past couple of weeks. And the market does appear to be nearing one.

Domestic HR and offshore import prices continue to diverge

With only a modest decline in US prices, HR imports, on a landed basis, remain much more expensive than domestic hot band.

Nucor’s hot band list price holds at $875/ton

Nucor held its hot-rolled coil list price flat again this week, according to its Monday, Sept. 15 consumer spot price (CSP) notice.

Price gap between US CR, most imports widens

Cold-rolled (CR) coil prices ticked lower in the US this week, while prices in offshore markets mostly diverged and ticked higher.

HVAC equipment shipments down through July

Total heating and cooling equipment shipments eased again in July, according to the latest data released by the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).

Some Asian HR prices theoretically lower than US HR tags despite 50% S232 tariff

Domestic hot-rolled (HR) coil prices ticked down this week after holding flat since mid-August. Offshore prices largely all moved higher week over week (w/w), widening the margin between stateside and foreign product.

Nucor maintains plate prices, opens October order book

Nucor aims to keep plate prices flat for a seventh straight month with the opening of its October order book.

Dodge Momentum Index moves higher in August

The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) rose 7.5% in August after jumping nearly 21% the month prior. The index is now up 30% year-to-date, according to the latest data released by Dodge Construction Network.

AISI: Domestic steel production ticks up

US raw steel production ticked up in the week ending on Sept. 6 after a decrease the week before, according to the most recent data from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).

SMU scrap market survey results now available

SMU’s September ferrous scrap market survey results are now available on our website to all premium members.

CR import price gap widens with US

Cold-rolled (CR) coil prices ticked lower in the US this week, while prices in offshore markets diverged and ticked higher.

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.

Domestic mill shipments slip in July: AISI

US steel shipments decreased month over month in July, but were up from last year, according to the latest figures from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).

Spread between US HRC, imports widens

Domestic hot-rolled (HR) coil prices were flat this week for a third straight week. Offshore prices all moved higher w/w, widening the margin between stateside and foreign product.

Construction spending slows in July

Construction spending edged down slightly in July for a third straight month.

ISM: Manufacturing growth remained down in August

US manufacturing activity remained muted in August despite a marginal gain from July's recent low, according to supply executives contributing to the Institute for Supply Management (ISM)’s latest report.

Nucor spot HR list price unchanged at $875/ton

Nucor kept its weekly list price for hot-rolled (HR) coil unchanged this week, following a price bump of $10 per short ton (st) last week.

Rig count dips again in both US and Canada

Oil and gas drilling activity waned in the US and Canada this past week. Ticking own for the second straight week in both regions.

Chicago Business Barometer drops in August

The Chicago Business Barometer, a leading indicator for the broader US economy, remains in contraction, slipping 5.6 points to 41.5 in August.

Spread between US HRC and imports holds

Domestic hot-rolled (HR) coil prices were flat this week, while offshore prices varied week over week (w/w). The price margin between stateside and foreign product was little changed as a result.

Active rig count declines in US, Canada

Oil and gas drilling activity slowed in the US and Canada this past week. An unfamiliar trend after both regions saw repeated gains of late.

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 […]

Spread between US HRC and imports widens on S232

HRC prices in the US eroded further last week, while offshore prices varied week over week (w/w), widening the price margin between stateside and foreign product.

SMU price ranges: Flat-rolled balloon continues to leak

Sheet and plate prices were flat or lower again this week on continued concerns about demand and higher production rates among US mills.

Service centers: Mill orders improve in July

SMU’s Mill Order Index (MOI) moved higher in July after rebounding the month prior. The shift comes after mill orders declined from March through May.