Contributor: Ethan Bernard

Ethan Bernard

Ethan Bernard is managing editor for Steel Market Update. He previously worked for American Metal Market as a copy editor in the New York office for two years, starting in 2008. Later, he copy edited AMM’s monthly magazine on a freelance basis from 2015 until 2017. With experience in financial copywriting and textbook publishing, he holds a BA in Comparative Literature from UC Berkeley, and an MFA. in Creative Writing from New York University. He can be reached at ethan@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-759-7871.

CMC Q4 profits rise on improved market conditions

CMC reported higher net earnings in its fiscal fourth quarter on "better market conditions" across its segments.

FabArc Steel Supply completes projects in Mississippi, Georgia

FabArc Steel Supply announced this week the completion of two large-scale projects in Georgia and Mississippi.

SMU Survey: Current Sentiment sinks to lowest level since May 2020

SMU’s Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices both fell this week, with Current Steel Buyers’ Sentiment notching the lowest reading since May 2020.

Busheling and shredded tags drop, widening HRC vs. prime scrap spread

US scrap prices fell on busheling and shredded in October, while HMS remained flat, market sources told SMU.

SMU Survey: Mills more negotiable on spot orders

Mills are more willing to negotiate spot prices for both sheet and plate products, according to our latest market survey results.

Final Thoughts

Musings on decarb, tariffs, and technology, and where it might be leading.

Olympic Steel taps Norred for GM role in Georgia

Olympic Steel Inc. has appointed Larry N. Norred, Jr. to the role of general manager for its Buford (fabrication) and Winder (metal processing) operations in Georgia.

Nucor keeps HR spot price at $875/ton

Nucor has left its consumer spot price for hot-rolled coil at $875 per short ton for the eighth straight week.

Final Thoughts

A recent IIMA meeting in Brazil shows how the US and much of the rest of the world are operating in parallel realities.

Final Thoughts: The long shadow of Ken Iverson

Renowned Nucor Chairman and CEO Ken Iverson would’ve turned 100 on Sept. 18 of this year.

White House confirms use of 'golden share' to intervene at Granite City: Report

The White House confirmed it stepped in to block the halting of steel processing at U.S. Steel’s Granite City Works in Illinois, according to media reports.

Zekelman Industries lowers stake in Algoma Steel

Barry Zekelman has reduced his company’s stake in Canadian steelmaker Algoma Steel.

Worthington Steel's earnings, sales rise in fiscal Q1'26

Worthington Steel saw a strong first quarter to kick off its fiscal 2026 as both profits and sales notched increases.

Recycler BL Duke launches steel turnings containment building in Illinois

Recycler BL Duke announced on Wednesday the launch of its new steel turnings containment building in Joliet, Ill.

Final Thoughts

Are you ready to share what you'd like to see happen with the USCMA agreement when it comes up for joint review?

Past USW President Leo Gerard passes away at 78

Former United Steelworkers (USW) union International President Leo W. Gerard has died at the age of 78.

Citing US tariffs, Algoma ups credit facility to $375M

Algoma Steel is increasing its credit facility from USD$300 million to USD$375 million due to "market conditions."

SMU Week in Review: Sept. 15 -19

A recap of the week in steel.

Nucor sees sequentially lower Q3 profits across all three business segments

Nucor's third-quarter earnings will be down quarter-over-quarter, but still higher than a year earlier.

Hyundai still on for Louisiana steel mill despite US raid at Georgia battery plant

Hyundai has reaffirmed its commitment to build a steel plant in Louisiana following a US government immigration raid at its battery facility in Georgia.

Final Thoughts

SMU uses ferrous scrap survey data to take AI out on a test drive.

Final Thoughts

Will a US-UK meeting next week prove a harbinger of tariff deals to come, or will it be just another case of having the rug pulled from under us?

HRC vs. prime scrap spread narrows slightly

The price spread between prime scrap and hot-rolled coil (HRC) narrowed by a hair this month, according to SMU’s most recent pricing data.

Scrap market chatter in September

Comments from participants of our Ferrous Scrap Market Survey.

Prime scrap prices slip for September, other grades sideways

US busheling scrap prices have declined this month, while shredded and HMS tags have remained unchanged, according to market sources.

SMU Scrap Survey: Current Sentiment rises as Future Sentiment falls

SMU’s current Scrap sentiment index increased this month while future sentiment declined, according to our latest ferrous scrap survey data.

Steel Summit: USS' Kopf sees 2026 as a 'good opportunity'

Robert Kopf has been on U.S. Steel's acquiring side and is now part of the steelmaker's partnership with Japan’s Nippon Steel, and he sees bright days ahead for the steelmaker.

Private-equity firm FalconPoint buys industrial services provider SMS

Private equity firm FalconPoint Partners has acquired SMS, an industrial service provider.

Final Thoughts

Could an upcoming BRICS meeting spell trouble for President Trump's trade policy?

AISI: Raw steel output edges down

US steel production slipped in the week ending on Aug. 30 after an increase the week before, according to the most recent data from the American Iron and Steel Institute.