China is both the world’s largest aluminum producer and consumer. So, not surprisingly, what happens in the Chinese market has a major impact on global aluminum prices. Buying Aluminum in 2018? Download MetalMiner’s free annual price outlook There was a time some years ago when China’s primary aluminum market operated largely in isolation, with primary […]
Category: Imports
This Morning in Metals: January Finished Steel Import Market Share Hits 26%
This morning in metals news, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported finished steel imports accounted for 26% of the U.S. market, analysts expect the index that measures market volatility to come back down and General Motors reported strong 2017 earnings. Need buying strategies for steel? Try two free months of MetalMiner’s Outlook Steel […]
GOES MMI: GOES M3 Prices Fall Slightly as Imports Rise
The GOES MMI (Monthly Metals Index), which tracks, grain-oriented electrical steels, fell one point to 188 as other flat-rolled steel products saw a price increase.
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Meanwhile, imports continue to grow, but none of the growth has come from China. In fact, Japan and the U.K. supplied the bulk of the imports in January. Buying organizations continue to report to MetalMiner they import grades of electrical steel not currently produced by the sole domestic producer, AK Steel. (See the latest import data below.)
[caption id="attachment_90225" align="aligncenter" width="585"]
Source: International Trade Administration and MetalMiner Analysis[/caption]
AK posted a Q4 loss but CEO Roger Newport made a number of comments regarding electrical steels during the most recent earnings call that indicated why the company supports strong Section 232 import measures:
“As we previously stated, we strongly believe that the ongoing high level of imports is a threat to the national security of our country…
Imports of grain oriented electrical steels, also known as GOES have more than doubled year-over-year and these imports are coming primarily from Japan, Korea and China. In my opinion this surge of GOES imports stems from a deliberate effort on part of these and other countries to beat the clock on any future 232 remedies and also by the Chinese trade protection causing Korea and Japan to send products to the United States.”
Unlike other steel products, such as tubular goods, cold-rolled steel, hot-dipped galvanized steel, solar panels and washing machines, MetalMiner is not aware of a single circumvention case for grain-oriented electrical steels.
Meanwhile, Bank of American Merrill Lynch analyst Timna Tanners double downgraded AK Steel on weak first quarter guidance and “lack of catalysts” to improve margins.
In Other Producer News…
ThyssenKrupp and Tata Steel have finally announced a joint-venture in Europe with the goal of becoming “a leading European flat steel provider and position it as a quality and technology leader,” according to a ThyssenKrupp press release. Both ThyssenKrupp and Tata have GOES production capability.
MetalMiner’s Annual Outlook provides 2018 buying strategies for carbon steel
Exact GOES Coil Price This Month
Tantalum, Lithium Markets Set to Grow Over Next Four Years
While tantalum and lithium aren’t materials we often talk about in this space — even so, founder and Executive Editor Lisa Reisman’s 2011 post on tantalum prices remains one of MetalMiner’s most-viewed posts — they are metals that could see their stock rise in the coming years, according to a recent report. Need buying strategies […]
This Morning in Metals: Trump Hits Solar Panels, Washing Machines with Tariffs
This morning in metals news, President Trump slaps import tariffs on solar panels and washing machines, year-to-date domestic raw steel production is down 3.2%, and copper prices continue to rise. Need buying strategies for steel? Try two free months of MetalMiner’s Outlook Trump Adds Solar Panels, Washing Machines to Tariff Mix According to the Washington […]
Section 232 Aluminum Report Moves on to President Trump
While it might not draw the same attention as its steel counterpart, the Trump administration’s Section 232 investigation of aluminum imports is just as important to the U.S. aluminum industry.Buying Aluminum in 2018? Download MetalMiner’s free annual price outlookSection 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 affords the president broad powers in determining whether […]
Dept. of Commerce Announces Preliminary Affirmative Determinations in CVD Investigation of Steel Flanges
The U.S. Department of Commerce took another step forward in its investigation of steel flanges from China and India, announcing affirmative preliminary determinations in its countervailing duty (CVD) investigation on Wednesday evening. Need buying strategies for steel? Try two free months of MetalMiner’s Outlook In its release covering the announcement, the department once again touted […]
ITC Continues Investigations of Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet from China
Last week, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) voted to continue the AD and CVD investigations into common alloy aluminum sheet from China — a decision met with favor by some and concern by others within domestic industry. Buying Aluminum in 2018? Download MetalMiner’s free annual price outlook Unlike most such cases, the Department of Commerce […]
America is Picking the Right Fight with the Wrong Enemy
The above headline is true, assuming the U.S.’s avowed aim is the health and future of the American steel industry and its workers. Need buying strategies for steel in 2018? MetalMiner’s Annual Outlook has what you need No one would dispute the idea that the world has too much steelmaking capacity. Many emerging markets and […]
This Morning in Metals: Steel Wins Big with New Ram, Chevy Models
This morning in metals news, two new vehicles made mostly with steel represent a victory for the steel industry, iron ore prices are down and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) voted to continue its investigation into common alloy aluminum sheet from China. New Ram Pickup, Chevy Silverado Made with Steel As the steel industry […]
