Final Thoughts
When nations eye their trade policy these days, are they only seeing tariffs? It might seem that way, especially after reading a presidential executive order or five over the last year. But is the condition spreading?
Contributor: Ethan Bernard
Ethan Bernard
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Nucor sees higher earnings in Q1'26, biggest increase in steel mills segment
Nucor expects first-quarter 2026 earnings to be higher both sequentially and on-year, with its steel mills segment logging the largest increase.
Nippon gets $5.6B in loan funding for USS acquisition
Japan’s Nippon Steel has received loans totaling 900 billion yen ($5.6 billion) from Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and other Japanese lenders to repay the loan for its buy of Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel.
Final Thoughts
While decarbonization has fallen out of the headlines a bit, that doesn't mean it's gone away. Tariffs, geopolitical instability, outright war... there has been a lot to write about in the last year.
SMA's Bell views S232 tariffs as effective, but USMCA agreement needs improvement
The Steel Manufacturers Association’s (SMA's) Philip K. Bell believes President Trump’s steel tariffs have been effective so far, and thinks we should remain “solution-focused” regarding the upcoming USMCA review.
Zekelman taps Athanassiadis as division president of Sharon Tube
Zekelman Industries said Jean-Marc “JM” Athanassiadis will take over as division president for the company’s Sharon Tube business unit in Farrell, Pa.
Nucor hikes HR spot price to $1,015/ton
Nucor raised its consumer spot price for hot-rolled coil to $1,015 per short ton, up $5/st from last week.
SMU Community Chat: SA Recycling's Adams 'overflowing' vision for US
SA Recycling's CEO George Adams couldn't be more upbeat about American industry.
Canacero taps TenarisTamsa CEO as new president of board
Mexican steel trade group Canacero has elected TenarisTamsa’s Sergio de la Maza Jiménez as its new president of the board of directors for 2026-27.
Global Steel Climate Council certifies first Asian steel company
The Global Steel Climate Council (GSCC) has certified its first Asian steel company.
HRC vs. prime scrap spread widens further in March
The spread between domestic hot-rolled coil and prime scrap prices widened in March, marking a six-month trend.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes it feels like current events are like a fireworks show that got set off all at once by mistake. In all the commotion, it's hard to know where to look... or where to run.
US scrap tags land sideways in March, outlook for April soft
The US scrap market softened in March as most grades traded sideways, with prices seen falling next month, sources told SMU.
Tenaris closes on Beaver Falls, Pa., scrapyard deal
Tenaris has closed on its buy of a Beaver Falls scrap processing yard in Pennsylvania.
Ferrous scrap market chatter this month
Market participant comments from this month's SMU Ferrous Scrap Survey.
SMU Scrap Survey: Current Sentiment ticks up, Future Sentiment flat
SMU’s Current Sentiment Index for scrap inched up in March, according to the latest data from our ferrous scrap survey. Meanwhile, the Future Sentiment Index remained locked at the same level for the fourth consecutive month.
Alton Steel assets set for auction in April
Alton Steel has announced an auction in early April following its decision for a complete closure of operations.
AISI: Domestic steel shipments rise in January
US steel shipments increased sequentially and on-year in January, according to the latest data from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).
SMA, AISI talk significance of US passing Japan in steel output
The US surpassed Japan in annual steel production in 2025 for the first time in 26 years, according to the World Steel Association (worldsteel).
Worthington Steel upbeat on Kloeckner deal but has other options: report
Reuters on Monday quoted Worthington Steel President and CEO Geoff Gilmore as saying the company has alternative targets if its deal to acquire Germany-based service center group Kloeckner & Co. doesn't happen.
Chicago Business Barometer keeps climbing in February
The Chicago Business Barometer continued to rise in February, marking its second month in expansion territory, according to Market News International (MNI) and the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).
Final Thoughts
U.S. Steel marked its 125th anniversary yesterday. When you look at the massive changes that have occurred in the country over that time, perhaps it puts the current unpredictability in the steel industry into perspective.
Boston Metal laying off 71 workers at Massachusetts location
Green steelmaker Boston Metal has announced layoffs in Massachusetts as a result of an equipment failure at a manufacturing facility in Brazil.
Cliffs taps former AK Steel chairman as new lead director
Cleveland-Cliffs has appointed Ralph “Mike” Michael III, former chairman of AK Steel, as lead independent director of its board, effective immediately.
Final Thoughts
A look at some of the results of our most recent survey with market participant comments.
HRC vs. prime spread widens in February
The spread between domestic hot-rolled coil and prime scrap prices widened slightly in February. It has been trending in that direction since October.
US scrap prices increase in February, sources say
US ferrous scrap prices continued to rise in February, scrap sources told SMU.
Reliance logs record tons sold in '25 as Q4 earnings rise
Reliance Inc. reported record tons sold in 2025 as the company’s earnings improved in the quarter.
BlueScope logs improved N. American results, affirms openness to acquisition offers
Australia-based steelmaker BlueScope reported higher profits in its North American operations in the first half of its fiscal-year 2026 as it remained open to bids for the overall company.
Final Thoughts
Tales from the sidelines of Tampa Steel Conference 2026.