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Keeping a finger on the pulse of the flat-rolled steel market with the latest steel news, prices, and industry updates
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Pricing
Steel Market Update produces weekly price assessments, news, and analysis of market trends affecting prices and sentiment on the US steel market.
Trends and Analysis
Sentiment, Inventories, Prices, and Key Market Indicators – everything you need to quickly adapt in the dynamic steel industry.
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We are proud to be an industry leader with our nationally recognized trainings and events, like the Steel Summit Conference and Tampa Steel Conference. We offer in-person and virtual workshops in our Steel Industry Training Program across the country facilitated by industry experts.
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Final Thoughts
Cliffs came tantalizing close to buying U.S. Steel in 2023. There were rumors in 2024 that Cliffs might buy NLMK USA before it ultimately purchased Stelco for $2.5 billion in November of last year. Who would have thought that asset sales would have been the focal point of discussion just six months later?
HR Futures: Low-key market despite Trump tariffs
Despite the hand-wringing and head-scratching about the impact of President Trump’s tariff policy, the HRC futures market has been relatively subdued since our last writing of this article.
US steel imports retreated in April after rising in March
US steel imports rebounded from February to March, rising to the second-highest monthly rate witnessed in the past ten months, according to final data recently released by the US Commerce Department. April license data shows that gain has likely been erased, with trade falling to the lowest rate of the year and several product categories hitting multi-year lows.
Cliffs talks DOE funding, blast furnace relining schedule
The future of two projects supported in part by funding through the Department of Energy remains uncertain.
US, UK reach trade deal that includes Section 232 ‘alternative’
The US and UK governments have announced a trade deal in which an “alternative” to the Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs will be provided.
Cleveland-Cliffs open to asset sales
Meanwhile, its Canadian operations have been hurt by the broader tariffs proposed by the United States.
Data centers drive construction growth in April: Dodge
The index has fluctuated since reaching a record high in January to kickstart the year.
Klöckner narrows Q1 loss, targets growth in North America and Europe
Germany’s Klöckner & Co. reported a narrower loss in the first quarter as the company targets becoming the “leading” service center and metal processing firm in North America and Europe by 2030.
Asian HR still much cheaper than US and EU material
Domestic hot-rolled (HR) coil prices moved lower this week, now down six of the last seven weeks. Recent price erosion has been seen in offshore markets, keeping the price gap between imports and domestic products largely flat week on week (w/w).
Domestic ferrous scrap market down as trading wraps up
The US ferrous scrap market for May shipment has basically settled, with the primes grades of #1 Busheling and bundles falling around $30 per gross ton (gt) from April levels. The obsolescent grades of HMS, shredded and plate and structural declined by $40/gt across several regions.
As Q1 loss balloons, Cliffs pledges to cut costs, streamline operations
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. gushed red ink in the first quarter, and pledged to stem the bleeding by idling inefficient, “loss-making operations” and increasing focus on its core automotive business.
Ternium’s Vedoya named AIST’s Steelmaker of the Year
Maximo Vedoya was awarded in recognition of Ternium’s expansion project in Pesquería, Mexico, and Ternium’s efforts to decarbonize steelmaking.
Featured
Steel 101 Workshop
Our instructors will present the structure of the steel industry and the steelmaking process. We’ll start with raw materials and continue downstream to hot rolling, cold rolling, and coating. Whether you are new to the industry or are experienced and changing roles, our experts will help you gain the knowledge to succeed!
SMU Steel Summit
The SMU Steel Summit has gone from strength to strength over the last few years, growing from 434 attendees in 2016 to nearly 1500 in 2023. Representing more than 500 companies from the North American Steel Market, this is the event to learn what the future holds and to network and do business. Mark your calendars for Aug. 26-28, 2024.
Survey Results
Discover valuable insights into steel prices with SMU’s market survey. Our timely analysis of lead times, mill negotiations, inventory trends, and market sentiment empowers informed decision-making in a dynamic industry. Stay ahead of the curve and maximize your opportunities.
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Join us for our Community Chat Webinars! Every other Wednesday, we give our community the opportunity to hear from experts discussing topics important to the steel community we serve.
Pricing
Interactive Pricing Tool
Chart steel and scrap prices against key indicators with our Interactive Pricing Tool.
Flat-Rolled Steel Prices
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Flat Rolled Lead Times
Steel Buyers’ Sentiment
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