Final Thoughts

I want to thank IHS Global Insight for allowing SMU and our readers to attend their Pricing & Purchasing Summit which was held in Chicago over the past two days. SMU is interested in conducting a similar conference dedicated to the steel industry and identifying risks next year as we strive to bring new value to our members and the steel community.

Based on the conversations I have been having with end users, service centers and steel mills over the past few days it appears we may be in one of those interesting times within the steel industry. We have a number of factors coming together – new management at two mills – USS and Severstal and another mill is for sale (ThyssenKrupp). We have contract negotiations beginning and, so far, the mills seem to be committed to doing a better job of controlling their fate and attempting to become more profitable. After many years of shooting themselves in the foot maybe now is the time to make a stand?