Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
January 18, 2016
I am pleased to announce that we have been given permission to take our next Steel 101 workshop to Ohio and to tour the Northstar Bluescope steel mill. Northstar Bluescope Steel has an exceptional reputation for both quality and efficiency and we are looking forward to seeing the mill in action. We will have more information about this Steel 101 program online in the coming days.
At this time I am in Mississippi having just finished touring the SDI Columbus steel mill which is the largest EAF flat rolled mill in North America. I can tell you that the mill was running all of their equipment and is projected to set a new production record for galvanized this month. I want to thank Madhu Ranade, General Manager of the Columbus plant and Don Switzer, Head of Commercial as well as the rest of the SDI team for their hospitality and the great job they did showing off their mill to our attendees this afternoon. It was a little cool temperature wise here in Mississippi but, the mill was running hot and a good experience was had by all.
If you would like to have an exceptional learning experience come join us in Ohio in May when we visit Northstar Bluescope Steel and/or in Arkansas in October/early November when we will tour the new Big River Steel…
As always your business is truly appreciated by all of us here at Steel Market Update.
John Packard, Publisher

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.