Service Center Inventories
SMU surveys key data providers each month to gather the latest information on steel sheet and plate inventories.
An array of proprietary products
Explore our proprietary steel market insights. Key features include service center inventories, flat rolled lead times, steel buyers’ sentiment indices, mill negotiation rates, and more. Access everything you need to track market momentum and make informed decisions
Survey derived insights
Access SMU’s proprietary mill lead times, negotiation rates, steel buyers’ sentiment indices, and more. The data comes from SMU’s surveys, which have been helping our subscribers keep their finger on the pulse of the steel market for more than a decade
Service center inventory and shipment data
Stay on top of the sheet and plate markets with SMU’s monthly service center shipment and inventory reports. When you know how you stack up against your peers, you can better manage your own stocks
Flat-Rolled Lead Times
Active steel buyers provide sheet and plate mill lead times. Members can track pricing trends and explore historical data.
Steel Buyers’ Sentiment
Track how steel buyers and sellers feel about their company’s prospects today and in the next 3-6 months.
Mill Spot Price Negotiations
We survey active steel buyers on pricing plans for domestic sheet and plate; results reveal shifting spot trends.
Overall Demand
Track steel demand across the supply chain and whether buyers report it as improving, steady, or declining.
Latest news
Rig count plummets in Canada, steady in US
Oil and gas drilling in the US was basically steady in the week ended March 20, based on Baker Hughes’ latest report on the number of rotary rigs in operation. Drilling in Canada, however, continued to slide, with the country seeing a steep decline in its rig count.
Plate producers hold firm on pricing, demand stable but subdued
Plate market sources say the week has been quiet, but that overall, business remains consistent.
SMU Survey: Buyers’ Sentiment Indices strengthen
Steel buyers remain highly optimistic for their businesses’ chances for current and future success, according to SMU’s latest Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices.
AMU: Auto supplier to redevelop former Alabama steel mill site
This piece was first published by SMU’s nonferrous sister publication, Aluminum Market Update. To learn about AMU, visit their website or sign up for a free trial. An automotive supplier plans to turn a former steel mill site in Alabama into a facility to produce aluminum and plastic components for US automakers. Taiwan-based Minth Group Limited said the $430 million […]
CRU: The macroeconomic impact of conflict in the Middle East
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has led to higher and more volatile energy prices, and impacts on numerous other commodity markets – in particular fertilizers and aluminum. If disruption to Middle Eastern supply continues, this will have a serious negative impact on the global economy.
SMU flat-rolled market survey results now available
SMU’s latest steel buyers market survey results are now available on our website to all premium members.
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?
Sheet prices reflect tighter supply, sources flag mill utilization rates
As spot prices for hot- and cold-rolled coils edge higher, mill capacity utilization rates hover below 80%, raising concern among some market participants.
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