Steel Markets
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/media/k2/items/src/73a620c013adeeb268141f18d375061d.jpg)
Auto Sales Pace Softens in June
Written by Sandy Williams
July 4, 2016
Despite a 2.5 percent year-over-year increase in June, U.S. automotive sales were slower than the 4.0 percent expected by most analysts. WardsAuto reports sales totaled 1.5 million units last month but the seasonally adjusted annual rate was 16.6 million units, well below the 17.0 million in June 2015 and at the slowest sales pace of the past year.
The pace may have slowed but the automotive industry is still healthy and expected to exceed the 17 million plus SAAR predicted for this year.
“What we’re seeing in June car sales is what we’ve predicted for some time. The hefty year-over-year increases are narrowing, which is expected after this unprecedented long stretch of gains,” said AutoTrader.com analyst Michelle Krebs as quoted by the Detroit Free Press.
Truck sales, including CUVs, small vans, and SUVs, increased 6.7 percent in June. Within the segment large pickups gained 5.5 percent while small pickups surged 26.8 percent. Year-over-year sales of passenger cars fell 12.1 percent.
Ford and FCA sales increased 6.4 and 6.5 percent, respectively. General Motors sales dropped for the fifth consecutive month with June sales down 1.6 percent. Toyota sales also slipped last month, falling 5.6 percent.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/sandy-williams.jpeg)
Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Steel Markets
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/coils2.png)
US steel imports slipped in August after rising in July
July represents the second-lowest monthly rate for steel imports so far this year.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/steel_trade.png)
CRU Insight: Decarbonization will reshape global steel trade flow
This CRU Insight explores how decarbonization will play a significant role in redefining steel trade patterns by shifting regional competitiveness and increasing steel demand needs.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/price_question.png)
Steel Summit 2024: Leading analysts forecast coming year for steel
Leading industry analysts on Monday discussed steel prices and how they will be impacted by trade policy, consolidation, mill discipline, November’s elections, and more.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/AISI.png)
AISI: Raw steel output jumps, capability surpasses 80%
Having risen for three weeks in a row, weekly production is now at the highest rate seen since February 2023.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/worldsteel_logo.png)
Monthly steel output falls in China, rises in RoW
Global steel output fell 5% in July according to World Steel Association’s (worldsteel) latest release. Total steel mill production around the world tallied up to 152.8 million metric tons (mt) for the month of July, the second-lowest monthly rate seen this year.