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
Steel imports historically weak through November license data
According to recently finalized US Commerce Department data, US steel imports tumbled to a near five-year low in September
Plate buyers avoid restocking, wary of market uncertainty
US plate market participants hope the new year will bring favorable market conditions. But they remain leery of making big purchases because of lingering uncertainty.
SMU Survey: Buyers’ Sentiment slips, future outlook hits 9-month high
The latest SMU’s Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices showed mixed results.
AMU: Airbus’ low-profile overhaul takes flight
A cluster of Airbus announcements reveals how quickly the OEM is tightening and rebalancing its US supply chain.
US rig count slips as Canadian count ticks up
The US rig count edged down this week while the Canadian count inched up, according to the latest Baker Hughes data released on Friday, Dec. 12.
CRU: Data center demand drives US rebar toward June 2023 highs
US longs prices diverged in early December, with rebar and structurals prices rising on data center demand while wire rod remained flat, as domestic mills balanced the market. Import volumes, in November, declined sharply across all longs.
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
There was a palpable sense of optimism among folks at the HARDI conference about demand from data centers. In other words, around the physical infrastructure – which also includes energy transmission – needed to feed the AI boom. The big question: Could demand from data and AI be far stronger than the market yet realizes?
The SMU Community
Connect with our unique, collaborative network of industry experts to forge new connections and drive your business forward
Smarter steel decisions start here
Get ahead of the curve with our actionable insights, in‑depth news, and exclusive market data. Choose from a range of subscription options and group sizes to find what fits your business best
Aluminum Market Update
AMU brings expert perspectives, proprietary data, and news analysis to businesses across the aluminum and nonferrous scrap markets
Connect your brand to our Community
Discover how SMU can help you promote your products, services, or company. Consider advertising in our publications or sponsoring and exhibiting at our events and webinars