“It is a fact researchers have settled on – the 10,000-hour rule is a definite key in success.”– Malcolm Gladwell, ‘Outliers.’ For those of you who have not read Gladwell’s “Outliers,” no worries. Essentially, the key theme of the book involves the concept of practice. It states that those who dedicate 10,000 hours or more […]
Category: Carbon Steel
Could Macroeconomics Cause a Steel Price Reversal?
Uncertainty regarding China’s stance on zero-COVID, when restrictions might ease, and riots within China throughout recent weeks have all contributed to more flat steel prices. What’s more, recession fears are starting to notably impact commodities. Yet another contributing factor? Fears of a railroad strike. With the cut-off date for meeting railroad unions’ terms fast approaching, […]
Raw Steels MMI: Steel Price Downtrend Resumes While Plate Prices Hold Flat
The Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI) fell by 5.08% from October to November. A number of factors played into steel prices dropping. After U.S. steel prices appeared to flatten, the descent for hot rolled coil, cold rolled coil, and hot dipped galvanized prices accelerated throughout October. Hot rolled coil prices now sit at their […]
Construction MMI: Construction Industry Battles Labor Shortages & High Building Costs
The November Construction MMI (Monthly MetalMiner Index) dropped by 4.16%. The trend over the past 3-4 months reflects a more sideways market than a bullish one. However, October to November proved a particularly volatile month for the construction index. Meanwhile, fluctuating steel prices have put all eyes on China. The market remains plagued with widespread […]
ArcelorMittal Steel Manufacturing Suffers More Shutdowns
As markets prepare for more bad steel news, ArcelorMittal plans to idle one of two blast furnaces at its Fos-sur-Mer site in southern France. The Luxembourg-headquartered group stated on November 4 that the move was a direct response to current market conditions. “In a sharply deteriorated macro-economic context, coupled with a major impact from soaring […]
Potential Railroad Strike Threatens Metal Logistics
Roughly 1/3rd of all US exports rely on freight transport. Food, wood, coal and metal all move across the US’ 140,000 miles of freight routes. Because of this, many US goods providers are worried about the possibility of yet another major railway strike. In September, two of the 12 major US railway unions rejected negotiations, […]
Iron Ore Demand Remains Strong, But Will It Last?
Concern over China’s economy notwithstanding, iron ore remained relatively stable in September and October. This is of note because historically, these months are one of China’s highest peak demand periods. That said, whether the iron ore price will continue to weather the economic storm remains a point of intense debate. The Many Factors Affecting the […]
ArcelorMittal Iron Ore Refining Hindered by War in Ukraine
Russian forces continue to wage rocket attacks on Ukraine’s cities and energy networks. So far, the destruction has caused at least one steelmaker and one iron ore producer to lower their production levels. Integrated longs producer ArcelorMittal Kriviy Rih recently announced it would limit the electricity consumption of its most energy-intensive equipment. According to an […]
Chinese Steel Manufacturing Profitability Down 20%
Is it all doom and gloom for Chinese steel manufacturing? It’s hard to tell at the moment. Indeed, China finds itself in a precarious place financially. What’s more, a sizable section of global financial and stock analysts have predicted the crises will only get worse as the country prepares to face its toughest winter yet. […]
Construction MMI: High Interest Rates Haunt US Construction
The October Construction MMI (MetalMiner Monthly Index) dropped 6.96%. Not only did the construction cost index fall recently, but high interest rates have seriously impacted the US housing construction sector. Billings are on the rise in both the US commercial construction sector and on the consumer end. Meanwhile, new housing construction continues to cool due […]
