Cliffs touts steel stamping solution to replace aluminum in automotive
Cliffs said it successfully completed a defect-free trial production of exposed steel parts using aluminum-forming equipment in collaboration with an unnamed OEM,
Tag: Automotive
Steel industry faces knock-on effects of potential auto chip shortage
US automakers could face production shutdowns in November because of potential supply disruptions at Dutch chipmaker Nexperia. Even a temporary shutdown, as carmakers scramble to procure chips, threatens to drive steel demand lower. Alliance for Automotive Innovation CEO John Bozzella underscored the severity of the situation. “If the shipment of automotive chips doesn’t resume — […]
AMU: Ford confirms Novelis Oswego hot mill restart expected by early December
Ford executives said the automaker expects aluminum supplier Novelis to restart its fire-damaged Oswego, NY hot mill by late November or early December.
Final Thoughts
Below are some other issues that should be on your radar. Because while prices have been steady, a lot is going on when it comes to news that could impact them.
SMU Price Ranges: Sheet floor holds as market debates upside
Our average HR coil price increased $5/short ton from last week, marking a second consecutive week of modest gains. Market participants generally attributed the increase to...
Cliffs leans hard into auto after aluminum supply chain shock
Cleveland-Cliffs executives pointed to growing automotive demand as the engine driving a turnaround at the company.
Cliffs posts Q3 loss, but sees upside in slab contract exit and auto deals
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. pointed to signs of recovery in its third-quarter earnings report on Monday. Improved automotive volumes and a better product mix drove sequential gains, but the steelmaker’s financials continue to bled red.
AMU: Consumer auto delinquencies: Warning sign for consumer health?
The Consumer Federation of America estimates rising total auto debt at a staggering $1.66 trillion, along with increasing repossessions and a sharp increase in delinquencies.
Stellantis to pump $13B into US auto plants
In a big win for labor, domestic manufacturing, and steel demand, Stellantis announced major investment plans for its manufacturing operations across the US Midwest.
Hot-rolled coil sources lament stagnant conditions
Participants in the hot-rolled sheet market expressed frustration with the continuing lack of demand this week.
Hyundai still on for Louisiana steel mill despite US raid at Georgia battery plant
Hyundai has reaffirmed its commitment to build a steel plant in Louisiana following a US government immigration raid at its battery facility in Georgia.
Mexico considers stiff tariffs for steel, autos, and other imports
Mexico is considering imposing steep tariffs on imports of steel, automobiles, and over 1,400 other products. Its target? Countries with which it does not have free trade agreements, mainly China, India, Thailand, and other South Asian nations.
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.
Cliffs inks longer-term contracts with US automakers hedging tariff inflation: Report
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. has reportedly signed "unusually long" fixed-price supply agreements with multiple US automakers.
Cliffs CEO reassures of Dearborn restart goal as UAW rallies to 'Save the Rouge'
“We are committed to bring the hot-end back to full operation. The goal is to bring back to work all employees of the currently idled units as soon as we can," Chairman, President, and CEO Lourenco Goncalves said in a letter to colleagues on Wednesday.
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).
AMU: Cascade Die Casting to expand North Carolina site
CDC Atlantic already houses 13 die-casting machines (ranging from 900 to 1,600 tons), three on-site furnaces, and shot blasting capabilities.
GM announces $4B investment in US production plants
GM looks to invest $4 billion in its US operations.
AMU: Bumper-to-bumper breakdown of aluminum’s changing role in vehicles
Some aluminum parts are being replaced by steel. And more manufacturers are salvaging what they can before sending vehicles to recyclers.
New vehicle sales fall in May
New light vehicle sales slumped in May to 15.6 million as the buying rush faded from consumers signing ahead tariff increases.
Auto growth to slow amid tariff uncertainty
CRU Group revised down its forecast for North American auto production by about 800,000 to 14.7 million this year.
As Q1 loss balloons, Cliffs pledges to cut costs, streamline operations
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. gushed red ink in the first quarter, and pledged to stem the bleeding by idling inefficient, “loss-making operations” and increasing focus on its core automotive business.
Ternium's Vedoya named AIST's Steelmaker of the Year
Maximo Vedoya was awarded in recognition of Ternium’s expansion project in Pesquería, Mexico, and Ternium’s efforts to decarbonize steelmaking.
US light-vehicle sales accelerate in March
US light-vehicle (LV) sales increased to an unadjusted 1.59 million units in March, more than a 30% surge over February and 10.7% above year-ago totals, according to US Bureau of Economic Analysis data.
Price on Trade: Auto tariffs, auto parts, and Hyundai – a world of rapid changes
Trump's new auto tariffs will apply to passenger vehicles (including sedans, sport utility vehicles, crossover utility vehicles, minivans, and cargo vans), light trucks, and certain automobile parts (including engines and engine parts, transmissions and powertrain parts, and electrical components).
Week in Review: March 23-28
The constant flow of information we all receive can be a little overwhelming, but SMU is here to help with a snapshot of the week.
US chassis makers seek duties on imports from Mexico, Thailand, and Vietnam
Upon the request of US chassis manufacturers, the Commerce Department this week initiated investigations into the alleged dumping and subsidization of chassis imported from Mexico, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Trump: 25% auto tariffs to begin on 'Liberation Day'
President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a proclamation that will impose a 25% tariff on most imported passenger vehicles.
Final Thoughts
After a March frenzy, are prices nearing a peak in April? Some of you have suggested that they are. Others think it's too early to make any such call.