Final Thoughts
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Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
April 6, 2016
Late in the day we received notification that Evraz Flat Rolled Group has advised their customers of their intention to take transactional prices (spot) up by a minimum of $50 per ton.
One of the more interesting comments I got today was from a Chicago based service center who reported being asked if he could help export U.S. made steel to somewhere else in the world. Not a normal request of a service center.
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We understand that SMU is more than just a publication that provides pricing and market intelligence. We want to assist in the education of those new to the industry. We want to help individuals and companies to come together and through our networking contacts expand your business. We know that one of the reasons why our Steel Summit Conference is such a success is we have made it easy to attend, to remain focused on those there and our attendees know that the vast majority of the companies attending are involved in the steel industry with most being decision makers.
Our company has grown because of our members who have gone out of their way to recommend our newsletter, website, workshops and conferences to others in the industry. We do not have a sales force. We do not constantly solicit those on a free trial to become new members. We understand that we must deliver value to all of our customers and we hope that message comes across in each and every issue. If you are not a member of SMU we encourage you to take the leap and become one knowing that if we do not deliver value your investment in us is protected and we will return your fee to join should you be unhappy at any time during the first year of membership.
So, tell your friends. I hope to see you in Atlanta at the end of August for our Steel Summit Conference.
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John Packard, Publisher
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John Packard
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Final Thoughts
That’s not to say Section 232 shouldn’t be tightened up. Or that certain trade practices – even among our traditional allies – weren’t problematic. But when it comes to the reboot of Section 232, I do wonder whether there will be some unintended consequences.
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Final Thoughts
As February comes to a close this week, the scrap markets are poised for another – and perhaps more extreme – move upward in March. March is usually a month when scrap prices relent as winter’s impediments subside. That’s not the case this year. And this time, the driver of prices will be increased demand from mills along with restricted flows over the last two months.
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Final Thoughts
The US steel market has whipsawed upward on the prospect of expanded Section 232 tariffs of 25% being applied to imported steel - including downstream goods - on March 12. It seems pretty clear that domestic steel mills have the ear of the Trump administration when it comes to Section 232. The result? The much-anticipated Trump bump has finally arrived - and then some.
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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 […]
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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.