Contributor: Ethan Bernard

Ethan Bernard

Ethan Bernard is managing editor for Steel Market Update. He previously worked for American Metal Market as a copy editor in the New York office for two years, starting in 2008. Later, he copy edited AMM’s monthly magazine on a freelance basis from 2015 until 2017. With experience in financial copywriting and textbook publishing, he holds a BA in Comparative Literature from UC Berkeley, and an MFA in Creative Writing from New York University. He can be reached at ethan@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-759-7871.

Ferrous scrap market chatter this month

A snapshot of our scrap market survey with some respondent comments included.

Fabricator JGM makes changes to executive team

Industrial construction and steel fabricator JGM has announced leadership changes.

SMU Scrap Survey: Current Sentiment rises, Future Sentiment dips

SMU’s Current Sentiment Index for scrap increased in July as Future Sentiment slipped, according to the latest data from our ferrous scrap survey.

Algoma in talks with TKMS following submarine deal

Algoma Steel is in talks with ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) following the Canadian government's selection of the German company as the preferred supplier of submarines.

Canada taps TKMS for submarines, passes on Algoma-linked deal

The Canadian government has selected a German firm to build submarines, passing on a contract from a South Korean company linked with Algoma Steel.

Cliffs awarded $400M GOES contract from Department of War

Cleveland-Cliffs has been awarded a $400 million contract by the US Department of War for grain-oriented electrical steel (GOES), the department announced last week.

US steel trade groups, unions say USMCA must be strengthened

Steel trade groups and unions in the US have weighed in on the USMCA review process, as the US announced it would not renew the trade pact in its current form.

Algoma guides to lower Q2 shipments, but adjusted EBITDA to show profit

Algoma Steel Group expects lower shipments in its second quarter of 2026 but anticipates adjusted EBITDA to move back into the black.

US declines to renew USMCA agreement in current form

The US government did not agree to renew the USMCA agreement in its current form, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Wednesday.

SMU Community Chat: Tanners sees tags tapering off in second half

Wells Fargo's Timna Tanners thinks the steel price rally will be falling off as we get further into the second half.

CMC's profits soar in fiscal third quarter

CMC’s profits more than doubled in its fiscal third quarter.

Worthington swings to fiscal Q4'26 loss

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

Final Thoughts

While the way we deliver Final Thoughts is changing on Friday, our commitment to bring you the most up-to-date steel news remains unwavering.

SSAB Americas and partners debut circular steel project

SSAB Americas, the Greenbrier Companies, and Alter Trading have partnered on a project where recycled materials can be used to make near-zero emissions steel and returned to the supply chain.

Leeco Steel makes regional operations manager changes

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

SMU Profile: Ava Hascall keeps steel in the family

A profile of Hascall Steel's Ava Hascall.

Nucor guides to higher earnings in second quarter

Nucor expects higher earnings in the second quarter, both sequentially and year over year, and anticipates increased profits sequentially across all its operating segments. The steel mills segment is expected to see the biggest boost.

HRC vs. prime scrap spread hits mark not seen since 2022

The spread between domestic hot-rolled coil and prime scrap prices continued to widen in June, a trend that began in September.

SMU's June scrap prices land flat

Ferrous scrap prices for June came in sideways, scrap sources told SMU.

SMU Exclusive: Worthington's Gilmore touts closing of Kloeckner acquisition

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.

SMU Community Chat: JSW USA's Simon upbeat on Baytown, Mingo Junction

Longtime steel veteran Robert Simon is excited about the transformation taking place at JSW Steel USA. And he has a rosy outlook for the rest of the year.

SMU Scrap Survey: Current Sentiment falls as Future Sentiment increases

SMU’s Current Sentiment Index for scrap slipped in June, but Future Sentiment rose, according to the latest data from our ferrous scrap survey.

Final Thoughts: SMU's June scrap survey

We provide a sneak peek at this month's SMU Scrap Survey, with insights on tariffs, pricing, and demand.

Algoma seeks higher tags on coil, plate products

Algoma Steel announced on Thursday a price increase for coil and plate products, effective immediately.

Worthington Steel completes acquisition of Kloeckner

Worthington Steel has completed its takeover offer for Germany-based service center group Kloeckner & Co. following the fulfillment of all closing conditions.

Final Thoughts

The official beginning of the USMCA review is less than a month away. But negotiations have already started, and steel tariffs could hang in the balance.

Borusan US unit secures sales order totaling ~$742M

Borusan Berg Pipe, a US subsidiary of Turkish pipe and tube producer Borusan, has secured new sales orders totaling ~$742 million.

SDI taps SMS group for hot strip mill upgrade at Butler mill

Steel Dynamics Inc. has contracted SMS group to complete a comprehensive upgrade of the process automation system at its hot strip mill in Butler, Ind.

SMU Survey: Current, Future Sentiment Indices slip

SMU’s Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices edged down this week, according to our most recent survey data.

Chicago Business Barometer soars in May

The Chicago Business Barometer increased in May after easing the two previous months.