SMU Data and Models
June 21, 2018
SMU Market Trends: Steel Mill Negotiations Loosen a Bit
Written by Tim Triplett
Steel mills appear slightly more willing to negotiate spot prices on hot rolled, cold rolled and coated steel than two weeks ago, according to respondents to this week’s Steel Market Update market trends questionnaire. Every two weeks, in a proprietary poll, SMU tracks how buyers and sellers of flat rolled steel represent the mill negotiation position. The latest data suggests some mills are a bit more willing to talk price, perhaps reflecting some seasonal slowdown in demand.
By market segment, 19 percent of hot rolled buyers said they have found mills willing to negotiate, up from 14 percent two weeks ago. Most, 81 percent, said the hot rolled mills are still standing firm.
