SMU surveys key data providers each month to gather the latest information on steel sheet and plate inventories.
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.
Key Market Indicators
Explore combined economic and industry metrics that summarize essential data and price indices relevant to the steel market.

Latest news
USS to invest $75M in new line at Alabama tubular facility
U.S. Steel has announced a $75-million capital investment to install a new premium thread line at its Fairfield Tubular Operations in Alabama.
Zekelman offers cash to Canadians who report foreign steel in public projects
Zekelman Industries said Canadians who report the use of foreign steel in active or future public construction projects are eligible for a CAD$1,000.00 (USD$711.62) payment.
POSCO aims for at least 10% stake in Cliffs, over $700M investment: Report
South Korean steelmaker POSCO is set to take at least a 10% stake in Cleveland-Cliffs and invest over $700 million, according to a South Korean media report.
International Resources Holding may acquire Duferco trading division: Report
International Resources Holding (IRH) fund, an Emirate enterprise, is rumored to be discussing the purchase of Duferco International Trading Holding (DITH), according to the Swiss-based daily, La Regione.
Nucor increases HR spot price by $5/ton
Nucor increases HR spot price by $5/ton
Final Thoughts
Most steel buyers think that steel prices will continue to rise into the 2026. But they don’t see the kinds of big gains that have characterized past market upturns, according to the results of SMU’s latest steel market survey.
Leibowitz: Is the China truce real or a Band-Aid?
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday had a much-anticipated meeting. Is it only a hiatus in the trade war, or did it really change the situation? I suspect the former, I but hope for the latter.
Brazil pig iron market activity picks up
The pig iron market in Brazil saw some activity last week that could present some additional options to producers there, but at lower price levels.









