Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
December 15, 2017
Happy Holidays to everyone. I know I have told you on a number of occasions that I am now no longer at my desk, but rather slowly moving out to sea for an extended period of rest. Well, as much rest as a workaholic can possibly get. The rest of the SMU team is busy at work and we should not miss a beat.
We will publish as normal this week (Tuesday evening and Thursday evening) with Thursday’s issue being the last one of the year. Steel Market Update will close our offices the week of Dec. 24 and will not reopen until Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018. If you need to reach someone at SMU, the best way is to send an email to info@SteelMarketUpdate.com or to contact our office at 772-932-7538 or 706-216-2140.
There are rumors that the domestic mills may try to press their luck and go for another price increase before the end of the calendar year. A steel buyer who works with Steel Dynamics reported seeing two $30 per ton price increases over the past 10 days. Whether this was an effort to move prices up to where they should have been or because their order book is stronger than normal, we don’t know for sure right now. Steel buyers should be aware of the potential for more price moves as we slip into the New Year.
Our last flat rolled steel market trends analysis (survey) will begin at 8 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 18. If you receive an “invitation to participate” from SMU, please take a moment to open the email and click on the “Start Here” button. If you are not receiving an invitation, check your SPAM folder for 8 a.m. (or very close to that time) to see if it is there. If you have never received an invitation, please contact Brett@SteelMarketUpdate.com . As long as you are an active buyer or seller (or executive management) of a manufacturing company, flat rolled or plate service center, steel mill, trading company or toll processor, you are eligible to participate. Currently, we have 640 individuals registered to participate and we are always looking for more participants. You can also call Brett Linton if you would like information on how to “white list” the inbound email that is used to deliver the invitations. He can be reached at 706-216-2140. If you would like to have your name removed or applied to someone else in your company, please contact Brett.
Our offices, with the exception of mine (800-432-3475), are open this week.
As always, your business is truly appreciated by all of us at Steel Market Update.
John Packard, Publisher
John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
I’m not sure what I can write today that won’t be old news after April 2. The Trump administration has dubbed Wednesday “Liberation Day.” Since it’s mostly about tariffs, let’s just call it “Tariff Day.” Or maybe we should call it “Tariff Week” – since tariffs typically dominate the news cycle in the first week […]
Final Thoughts
A personal perspective on Galvalume prices from SMU analyst Brett Linton.
Final Thoughts
After a March frenzy, are prices nearing a peak in April? Some of you have suggested that they are. Others think it's too early to make any such call.
Final Thoughts
Have we hit a bit of a lull when it comes to the recent price bump? Mills certainly capitalized on the threat of tariffs and the unknown, with much that still could unfold.
Final Thoughts
From the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 to George W. Bush's temporary 30% tariff, SMU takes a look at steel tariffs past.