AISI: Domestic steel production edges down
US raw steel production declined last week, according to the latest data released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).
Contributor: David Schollaert
David Schollaert
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North American auto assemblies tumble in July
North American auto assemblies declined in July, down 16.4% vs. August. But, according to GlobalData, assemblies were 2.4% ahead year on year (y/y).
US light-vehicle sales rebound in July
US light-vehicle (LV) sales increased to an unadjusted 1.37 million units in July, 8.7% over June and 6.6% above year-ago totals, according to US Bureau of Economic Analysis data.
Final Thoughts
Don't be puzzled. Solve our crossword, and get ready for Steel Summit 2025!
Manufacturing in New York state improves again in August
Business activity in New York state improved modestly in August. It was just the second positive reading for the general business conditions index in six months.
Active rig count holds in US but grows in Canada
Oil and gas drilling in the US was unchanged this past week following three straight weeks of declining activity. Canada saw another gain, reaching a 22-week high.
CR import price gap widens with US
Cold-rolled (CR) coil prices continued to decline in the US this week, while prices in offshore markets diverged and ticked higher.
S232 widens the spread between US HRC and imports
Hot-rolled (HR) coil prices in the US declined again last week, while offshore prices ticked higher again week over week (w/w).
SMU Community Chat replay now available
The latest SMU Community Chat webinar reply featuring Lewis Leibowitz, trade attorney and SMU columnist, is now available on our website to all members.
Final Thoughts
Yesterday’s tragedy and loss of life at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Works is a stark reminder of how important safety in the workplace really is.
US HR prices and imports diverge, 50% S232 drives the gap
Hot-rolled (HR) coil prices in the US declined again last week, while offshore prices increased week over week (w/w).
SMU flat-rolled market survey results now available
SMU’s Aug. 8, 2025, steel buyers market survey results are now available on our website to all premium members.
SMU's July at a glance
SMU’s Monthly Review provides a summary of our key steel market metrics for the previous month, with the latest data updated through July 31.
SMU scrap market survey results now available
SMU’s August ferrous scrap market survey results are now available on our website to all premium members.
Active rig counts slipped in US, Canada
Drilling activity slowed in the US and Canada last week, according to the latest oil and gas rig count data released by Baker Hughes.
ISM: Manufacturing growth slows in July, hits 10-month low
US manufacturing activity slowed again in July to a 10-month low
50% S232 keeps EU import HR prices above US tags
Hot-rolled (HR) coil prices in the US edged lower again this week, while offshore price were little changed. Stateside prices continue to trail imports from Europe, supported by Section 232 steel tariffs.
Algoma swings to loss on ‘unprecedented disruptions’ and trade barriers
Canada’s Algoma Steel saw a sharp loss in the second quarter amid a continued challenging market environment and “tariff uncertainties.”
SMU Steel Demand Index still lags
The Steel Demand Index now stands at 42, up from 38.5 in early July, but off from a four-year high of 65.0 in late February.
North American auto assemblies down in June
North American auto assemblies declined in June, down 10.6% vs. May. And, according to GlobalData, assemblies were 3.1% down year on year (y/y).
SMU Price Ranges: Sheet prices tick lower, but floor remains high vs. '24
Sheet prices slipped again this week amid discounting from certain mills and ongoing concerns about demand.
Nucor spot HR list price unchanged at $900/ton
Nucor maintained its weekly list price for hot-rolled (HR) coil flat this week, following a price cut the previous week.
USS, Nippon continue to press lawsuit against Cliffs, USW chief
U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel are not done settling scores with those who opposed their historic, $14.9-billion partnership.
US CRC prices dip, widening gap vs. imports
Cold-rolled (CR) coil prices continued to decline in the US this week, while prices in offshore markets 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.
US HR prices remain sharply higher than EU HR on 50% S232
Hot-rolled (HR) coil prices in the US edged lower again this week but have remained in a tight band for roughly four months. Stateside prices continue to trail imports from Europe, supported by Section 232 steel tariffs that were doubled in early June.
Reliance logs another record for Q2 tons sold
Reliance Inc. reported record second-quarter tonnages, with 1.62 million tons sold in the second quarter of 2025, a 4% increase year over year (y/y).
SMU Community Chat replay now available
The latest SMU Community Chat webinar reply featuring Tom Derry of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), is now available on our website to all members.
Service centers: Mill orders recover in June
SMU’s Mill Order Index (MOI) rebounded in June after declining for three straight months. The gain complemented a modest boost in service center shipments for the month, according to our latest service center inventories data.
Nucor lowers HR price to $900/ton
Nucor is lowering its list price for spot hot-rolled coil for the first time since May 27.