Final Thoughts
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Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
April 27, 2016
I am going to start my Final Thoughts today with a question. I am working on an article as part of my The Truth About Selling Steel series and I want to learn more from buyers and sellers of steel as to what the term “Value-Added” means? We hear this term used a lot in the steel industry. From a mill perspective value-added means products that go beyond the vanilla CS/B applications and through rolling, chemistry, coatings, etc. are deemed to be more valuable to the customer and more expensive to produce (and to purchase). I would like those of you who are buyers or sellers of steel to explain to me what you think “Value-Added” means. You can reach me at: John@SteelMarketUpdate.com
I have asked my LinkedIn group (Steel Market Update) as well as those connected with me on my personal LinkedIn page to comment on the subject. I know I have hit a nerve because LinkedIn is telling me it is one of the most active posts out there (at least in the steel world).
Now for the other side of the story. Watch Chinese iron ore prices carefully. I have heard that the Chinese mills have begun to drop export price offers. I am trying to check with my sources in Asia to see if this is true (and by how much). But, just about everyone in the steel industry thinks what is happening in China is a huge bubble (see our HR Futures Article in this evening’s issue) that will eventually burst. The question is when and how long before the aftermath comes to roost here in the U.S.? Right now, my opinion is we should have a tight market until 4th Quarter. I would love to know what you think.
As always your business is truly appreciated by all of us here at Steel Market Update.
John Packard, Publisher
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John Packard
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Final thoughts
Sheet prices didn’t roar back after Labor Day. But steel market news sure came out of the gate strong (or maybe chaotically is the better way to put it). First, the nearly $15-billion proposed sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel exploded into the news. And when I say exploded, I mean that all sides seem to be escalating things now.
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Final thoughts
Welcome back from Labor Day, from Steel Summit, and from whatever fun you might have had over the long weekend. Personally, I enjoyed camping with friends and family near Starved Rock. No one starved, there were no major injuries, and we enjoyed the many splendors of Mystical Fire. (Speaking of which, does that have industrial uses? But I digress.)
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Final thoughts
I want to say a huge ‘thank you’ from all of us at SMU to all of you (more than 1,500!) who attended Steel Summit this year. We appreciate you taking time out of busy schedules to join us – whether that was up on stage, submitting thoughtful questions, or catching up over a drink and bite to eat. Also, a bit shoutout to everyone at SMU and at CRU who made this event possible. It’s no understatement to say that we have a fantastic team.
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Final thoughts
Day one and two of SMU's Steel Summit 2024 are officially in the books. We covered a lot of ground, and the agenda sure did deliver.
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Final thoughts
The big show is just about here. SMU Steel Summit will be getting underway on Monday. Where does the networking begin? I’d say at the airport. So don’t forget your business cards. And it can't hurt to wear a company golf shirt.