Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
December 9, 2013
U.S. Steel took down their Fairfield blast furnace just before Thanksgiving. We are hearing that it may be down 45-60 days although one customer of the mill’s told us by the end of December. The steel mill prepared for the furnace to go down and customers were told to place their orders some time ago.
I have just returned this evening from the HARDI convention in Phoenix, Arizona. It was cooler than normal there over the past few days and in Northern Arizona at the Grand Canyon they were referencing temperatures around 10 degrees below zero. The conference was well attended and I will have a little more on what I learned while in Phoenix in Thursday evening’s edition.
The Apparent Excess / Deficit forecast graphic we used in one of our articles this evening will become part of our Premium package. As we develop forecasting models and tools they will be dedicated to our Premium members. We published our third Premium Level Supplement Newsletter yesterday and anticipate having another later this week or early next week. Premium Level members also received an analysis of our survey results from last week.
If you have interest in upgrading your existing account (or part of it) to the Premium Level please contact our office and speak with Diana: 800-432-3475.
A reminder that a good Holiday gift for one of your employees could be a ticket to our Steel 101: Introduction to Steelmaking & Market Fundamentals workshop which will be held on February 4 & 5, 2014 in Mobile, Alabama. Included will be a tour of the SSAB mini-mill facility. Information is available on our website or you are welcome to contact our office and speak to John Temples or myself – 800-432-3475.
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
Some of you have told me that the current market feels about as crazy as early 2021 when demand snapped back after the initial outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Others have said it might be more like late February/early March 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine – and, in the process, caused […]
Final Thoughts
To say we’ve entered a “Brave New World” since Jan. 20 might be an exaggeration, but we’ve definitely entered a different one.
Final Thoughts
I think it’s fair to say that the last few weeks – and last week especially – have been among the most intense for any of us covering steel (or aluminum).
Final Thoughts
A look at how SMU survey respondents are reacting to President Trump's recent actions on tariffs.
Final Thoughts
A lot of the changes basically entail rolling back what I’ll call, for fun, Section 232 Lite. S232 Lite resulted from watering down what I’ll call OG S232 – the one first imposed in March 2018 - with exemptions and exclusions over the years. Now, OG Section 232, is back with its across-the-board 25% tariffs against everyone.