Steel Mills

Canadian Service Center Shipments, Inventories in October

Written by Brett Linton

November 16, 2017

Steel shipments by Canadian service centers in October totaled 391,700 net tons, up 9.8 percent from the previous month, and also up 9.8 percent from October 2016, reports the Metals Service Center Institute (MSCI). On a daily basis, total shipments were 18,700 tons per day in October (a 21-day month), up from 17,800 tons per day in September (a 20-day month), and up compared to a year ago when they were 17,800 tons per day (a 20-day month). Total steel inventories at the end of the month were 1,170,400 tons, up 0.6 percent from last month, and up 8.3 percent from this time last year.

The daily average receipt rate for October was 18,995 tons per day, up from 16,850 in September. Total October steel receipts were 398,900 tons, up 61,900 tons over September. According to MSCI, total steel product inventories stood at 3.0 months at the end of October, down from 3.3 months the month before.

Flat Rolled

Canadian shipments of flat rolled products in October totaled 204,200 tons, up 14.7 percent from September, and up 4.3 percent over the same month one year ago. Daily shipments increased from 8,900 tons per day in September to 9,700 in October, but were down compared to one year ago when they were 9,800 tons per day. Inventories at the end of the month were 661,900 tons, down 0.4 percent from last month, but up 9.5 percent from the same month one year ago. The daily receipt rate for October was 9,605 tons per day, up from 7,875 tons per day in September. Total tonnage received was 201,700 tons, up from 157,500 tons the month before. Flat rolled inventories stood at 3.2 months in October, down from 3.7 months of supply in September.

Plate

Canadian shipments of plate products in October were 71,600 tons, an increase of 2.0 percent from the previous month, and an increase of 12.6 percent from October 2016. Daily shipments decreased from 3,500 tons per day in September to 3,400 tons per day in October. Inventories at the end of October were 175,300 tons, up 2.1 percent from the prior month, but down 10.4 percent from the same month one year ago. The daily average receipt rate for October was 3,581 tons per day, up from 3,330 tons per day the month before. Plate inventories ended the month at 2.5 months, up from 2.4 months in September.

Pipe and Tube

Canadian shipments of pipe and tube products in October were 56,000 tons, an increase of 10.2 percent from the month before, and an increase of 21.5 percent from the same month last year. Daily shipments rose from 2,500 tons in September to 2,700 tons per day in October. Inventories at the end of the month were 142,300 tons, up 5.9 percent from last month and up 15.0 percent from the same month one year ago. The daily average receipt rate for October was 3,043 tons per day, up from 2,840 tons per day the month before. Total months on hand for pipe and tube inventories stood at 2.5 months, down from 2.6 months in September.

Brett Linton

Brett Linton is a senior analyst for Steel Market Update, where he began his career. Linton has been in the steel industry since 2010. He has held roles as a category manager and strategic insights director at Reibus before returning to SMU in 2024. He is a graduate of The University of North Georgia with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Brett can be reached at brett@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-314-0179.

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