Troubling Signs for Price Increase Support?

Twice per month, Steel Market Update conducts a detailed analysis of the flat rolled and plate steel markets through an online questionnaire. We invite 640 individuals to provide their opinions about the flat rolled and plate markets, what are the driving factors behind pricing, lead times, and mill negotiations, as well as how they feel about their company’s ability to be successful in both the existing (Current) and 3-6 months in the future (Future) markets (Sentiment Index). We cover other issues as we break out the questions by market segment: manufacturing, steel distribution and wholesalers, steel mills, trading companies, as well as support companies. This information is shared with those who participate in the process, along with our Premium Members.

Last week, 45 percent of the participants were manufacturing companies, 42 percent distributors, 6 percent trading companies, 4 percent suppliers to the industry and 3 percent steel mills.