SMU Data and Models
June 22, 2017
Sentiment Shows Slight Dip as Market Awaits Section 232
Written by Tim Triplett
The sentiment among buyers and sellers of flat rolled steel remains largely positive, according to Steel Market Update’s latest steel market analysis, although it has dipped a bit in the past month as the industry awaits a ruling on Section 232 and whether the government will further restrict steel imports on the basis of national security.
As a single data point, the SMU Steel Buyers Sentiment Index is at +65, down 5 points from last month and down 4 points from this time last year. At +65, the index shows most respondents are still fairly optimistic about business conditions. The highest reading for the index was +77 in March 2017.
