Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
February 12, 2014
We will hopefully have information and a date for a new workshop we have under development. The new workshop is tentatively being called: Managing Price Risk: Strategies & Execution. The workshop will be for those who already have some knowledge of hot rolled coil (HRC) and busheling (BUS) futures and options trading. Our intention is to provide a workshop for those who want to know more about the various strategies for protecting inventory values, protecting profits or offering long-term firm pricing through the use of futures and options trading. We already have a waiting list so our goal is to have the workshop – which at this time we are forecasting to go over two half days and the first to be held at the CME in Chicago.
We will publish one of our Premium Level newsletter supplements on Friday for our Premium Level members.
The OCTG dumping case decision was postponed today due to the winter weather in Washington, D.C. We should get a decision early next week.
I will be back in the office on Monday after having been stranded in Florida due to the weather in North Georgia (I can tell I am not getting much sympathy for that one). My next trip will be to Austin, Texas for the FMA Tolling Processing conference.
As always your business is truly appreciated by all of us here at Steel Market Update. Thank you for your kind words and recommendations to your suppliers and customers. We continue to grow and your help is always appreciated.
John Packard, Publisher
Advertise with Steel Market Update
More information about becoming a member or upgrading your membership level
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.