Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
November 3, 2013
This will be a crazy busy week for all of us here at Steel Market Update. Besides working on final preparations to launch our new website we will be conducting our early November steel market survey and we are finishing up on a private steel industry training workshop for one of the domestic steel mills.
As we move into 2014 our intention is to begin to expand our listing of available training workshops. We will have more on those being considered or in development after the new website comes online.
For those of you who are unaware, our next Steel 101: Introduction to Steelmaking and Market Fundamentals workshop is available for registration. The workshop will be conducted in Mobile, Alabama which should be much warmer in early February than northern climates. The dates for the workshop are February 4 & 5th. We will tour the SSAB plate and hot strip mill which is located in Axis, Alabama just outside of Mobile.
Our Steel 101 workshops are designed for those new to the industry or just becoming acquainted with the industry. We also recommend it for those moving from one position to another within a company as well as those who just want a refresher course. Our instructors have over 160 years of combined experience within the industry as metallurgists, sales and sales management, purchasing and training.
You can find more details about our Steel 101 workshop on our website: www.SteelMarketUpdate.com in the Events section or you can click on the Steel 101 rotating banner at the top of our existing website.
As always your business is truly appreciated by all of us here at Steel Market Update.

John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts
The difference: The spat with Turkey was a big deal for steel. This time, the 50% reciprocal tariff for Brazil – if it goes into effect as threatened on Aug.1 – hits everything from coffee and to pig iron. It seems almost custom-built to inflict as much pain as possible on Brazil.

Final Thoughts
Are we on the cusp of sorting out the tariff situation, or is this merely another round in the bout?

Final Thoughts
I’m not sure how many different ways I can write that it’s been a quiet market ahead of Independence Day. There are variations on that theme. I’ve heard everything from the ominous “eerily quiet” to "getting better" and even the occasional “blissfully unaware” (because I’m enjoying my vacation).

Final Thoughts
What's going to be the next big thing in steel?

Final Thoughts
Based on the amount of ‘out of office’ replies we’ve been receiving and the results of this week’s steel buyers’ survey, those pesky summer doldrums have arrived for the steel industry.