Steel Markets
March Auto Sales Finish Strong
Written by Sandy Williams
April 1, 2014
US automotive sales reached 1.53 million units in March besting estimates by WardsAuto who pegged sales at 1.48 million units. Projected sales for the year rose to 16.38 million. Lingering winter weather kept consumers away from dealerships early in the month but sales picked up in the latter half to finish strong.
GM CEO Mary Barra is testifying today at a congressional hearing regarding the recall of 2.6 million GM vehicles. A faulty ignition switch has been blamed for 13 deaths and numerous injuries. Analysts are unsure how the recall will affect GM sales.
Sales for the major auto manufacturers are displayed in the chart below.
Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Steel Markets
Tampa Steel Conference: Two weeks to go!
With just two weeks to go, we have over 400 registered so far for the 36th annual Tampa Steel Conference. Join us and hundreds of industry executives at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street from Sunday, February 2, through Tuesday, February 4.
Galvanized buyers see glimmers of optimism amidst the chaos
Reflecting on 2024 and looking ahead to the new year, galvanized steel buyers on this month’s HARDI call expressed a mix of cautious optimism with lingering uncertainties.
Construction spending steady in November
Construction spending inched higher in November for a second straight month.
Steady architecture billings signal improving conditions
The November ABI decreased month over month but was still the third-highest reading of the past two years.
Fitch warns more tariffs will pressure global commodity markets
“New commodity-specific tariffs, mainly on steel and aluminum products, could widen price differentials and divert trade flows,” the credit agency forewarned.