Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Written by John Packard
September 14, 2018
I had originally intended to add to the Methodologies article I wrote last week, but I have decided there is not enough new relevant information to add to what was already written. I expect that we will re-visit this subject as time goes by and as questions are asked about the various indexes.
Our first Steel 201 workshop went very well. We did receive one comment from an attendee who complained that we stayed in a hotel that did not have a bar. “People in the steel industry need a bar,” he said. Agreed. Other than the lack of readily available alcohol, most of the comments were positive for what was our first attempt at tackling the AHSS subject with the help of AK Steel.
“Overall, I enjoyed the workshop. If it weren’t for SMU and their passion to teach, most of us in the steel industry would never have these types of opportunities available. I appreciate and applaud the insight that these steel veterans bring to the table. It’s real learning you won’t get elsewhere.” Kari LaHaie, Magic Steel
“The Steel 201 Workshop in Middletown, Ohio, was my first encounter with the SMU team and I would like to thank you all for the pleasant experience at AK Steel’s Research and Innovation facility. I am planning to return and invite other individuals in our company to go out and attend future SMU workshops and the 2019 Steel Summit conference. Your team truly provided an informative, educational and motivational experience.” Rafael Cabrera, CEMCO
Our next Steel 101: Introduction to Steel Making & Market Fundamentals workshop will be held in Toledo, Ohio, where we will tour the North Star BlueScope steel mill. We have been to this mill before and they do an excellent job of hosting our group. The dates are Dec. 11-12, and you can find more about the workshop and how to register at www.SteelMarketUpdate.com/Events/Steel101
On Monday, we will begin our mid-September flat rolled and plate market trends analysis. Invitations to participate will be sent via email at 8 a.m. ET on Monday. Please take a few minutes to respond to the invitation, which you can do by answering the first question of the survey, which will be shown at the end of the invitation. If you would like to be added to our invitation list, please contact us at info@SteelMarketUpdate.com
I am in my office all week and can be reached at 800-432-3475 or by email at John@SteelMarketUpdate.com
As always, your business is truly appreciated by all of us here at Steel Market Update.
John Packard, President & CEO
John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
And just like that, we’re wrapping up the last SMU newsletter of 2024. We’re closing out our 19th year and looking with wide-eyed anticipation to what 2025 will bring.
Final Thoughts
SMU looks back at stories from Decembers past, one, five, 10, and 100 years ago.
Final Thoughts
It's that time of year again. You know, that time when people wonder if those things are drones in New Jersey or if the aliens are ready to come onto the stage just in time for Inauguration Day. What will that do for steel price volatility? In any case, the SMU team finds itself in Pittsburgh this week.
Final Thoughts
The Community Chat last Wednesday with ITR economist Taylor St. Germain is worth listening to if you couldn’t tune in live. You can find the replay and Taylor’s slide deck here. You can also find SMU reporter Stephanie Ritenbaugh’s writeup of the webinar here. Taylor is Alan Beaulieu’s protégé at ITR. Many of you know Alan from his talks at SMU Steel Summit. I found Taylor’s analysis just as insightful as Alan’s.
Final Thoughts
Cracks have formed in what has been presented as the Biden administration’s united front against Nippon Steel’s play for U.S. Steel. A report from the Financial Times said parts of the administration are at odds on the deal.