Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
September 12, 2016
I spent a great deal of time on two projects: flat rolled pricing and steel mill maintenance schedules. I want to thank those companies who worked with me over the past few working days to be able to provide what I think is better data (both in pricing and in the schedules) than what has previously been available out in the market.
A note to our Premium level customers, we are reviewing and redoing much of the imports by port data we have on the website. If you have any questions about the data please contact Brett@SteelMarketUpdate.com
Our Steel 101: Introduction to Steel Making & Market Fundamentals workshop in Memphis, TN is close to being sold out. The dates on the workshop are November 15-16 and will include a tour of the Big River Steel mill just as it is about to come online and begin producing its first hot rolled coils. Details are on our website: www.SteelMarketUpdate.com or you can contact our office at 800-432-3475 or info@SteelMarketUpdate.com and we will do our best to respond to your questions.
As always your business is truly appreciated by all of us here at Steel Market Update.
John Packard, Publisher

John Packard
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Final Thoughts
The difference: The spat with Turkey was a big deal for steel. This time, the 50% reciprocal tariff for Brazil – if it goes into effect as threatened on Aug.1 – hits everything from coffee and to pig iron. It seems almost custom-built to inflict as much pain as possible on Brazil.

Final Thoughts
Are we on the cusp of sorting out the tariff situation, or is this merely another round in the bout?

Final Thoughts
I’m not sure how many different ways I can write that it’s been a quiet market ahead of Independence Day. There are variations on that theme. I’ve heard everything from the ominous “eerily quiet” to "getting better" and even the occasional “blissfully unaware” (because I’m enjoying my vacation).

Final Thoughts
What's going to be the next big thing in steel?

Final Thoughts
Based on the amount of ‘out of office’ replies we’ve been receiving and the results of this week’s steel buyers’ survey, those pesky summer doldrums have arrived for the steel industry.