SMU Data and Models
May 20, 2018
SMU Market Trends: Demand Slowing, But Supplies Tightening and Prices Hanging On
Written by Tim Triplett
Steel demand has remained surprisingly strong in 2018, even as prices have escalated and trade disputes have made purchasing riskier. But Steel Market Update data suggests that demand may be weakening.
SMU canvasses the flat rolled steel market every two weeks. A clear majority (62 percent) of the respondents to the May 14 questionnaire indicated that demand appears unchanged in their sector. About 23 percent still see demand improving. The remaining 15 percent said they see declining demand for their products and services.
