Service Center Inventories
SMU surveys key data providers each month to gather the latest information on steel sheet and plate inventories.
An array of proprietary products
Explore our proprietary steel market insights. Key features include service center inventories, flat rolled lead times, steel buyers’ sentiment indices, mill negotiation rates, and more. Access everything you need to track market momentum and make informed decisions
Survey derived insights
Access SMU’s proprietary mill lead times, negotiation rates, steel buyers’ sentiment indices, and more. The data comes from SMU’s surveys, which have been helping our subscribers keep their finger on the pulse of the steel market for more than a decade
Service center inventory and shipment data
Stay on top of the sheet and plate markets with SMU’s monthly service center shipment and inventory reports. When you know how you stack up against your peers, you can better manage your own stocks
Flat-Rolled Lead Times
Active steel buyers provide sheet and plate mill lead times. Members can track pricing trends and explore historical data.
Steel Buyers’ Sentiment
Track how steel buyers and sellers feel about their company’s prospects today and in the next 3-6 months.
Mill Spot Price Negotiations
We survey active steel buyers on pricing plans for domestic sheet and plate; results reveal shifting spot trends.
Overall Demand
Track steel demand across the supply chain and whether buyers report it as improving, steady, or declining.
Key Market Indicators
Explore combined economic and industry metrics that summarize essential data and price indices relevant to the steel market.
Latest news
AISI Op-Ed: Policy wins that strengthened American steel in 2025
AISI’s Kevin Dempsey looks back at 2025.
Pig iron prices poised for an increase?
The price of pig iron looks to strengthen as producing nations cite rising ferrous scrap values.
Rig count falls in both US and Canada
The US and Canadian rig counts both fell this week, according to the latest Baker Hughes data released on Friday, Dec. 19.
AMU: To hedge or not to hedge
We will examine the wisdom of hedging from the perspective of both the LME and Midwest premium, and whether you are approaching the market as a buyer or a seller.
SMU Community Chat: Tanners talks 2026, TACO, tariffs, and 2025’s market trends
An SMU Community Chat with Timna Tanners.
Promet acquires Heidtman plant in East Chicago
Independent service center Promet Steel Inc. has acquired Heidtman Steel Products’ facility in East Chicago, Ind. Terms of the deal, which closed on Dec. 15, were not disclosed.
SMU Mill Order Index falls in November
SMU’s Mill Order Index (MOI) declined in November after surging the month prior. The fall came as service center intake levels sharply declined, supported by a cut in shipments, according to our latest service center inventories data.
CRU: US sheet price increases open the door to import opportunities
US Midwest sheet prices continued to rise alongside continued mill prices increases as lead times remained extended.
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Aluminum Market Update
AMU brings expert perspectives, proprietary data, and news analysis to businesses across the aluminum and nonferrous scrap markets
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