Steel Products Prices North America
January 10, 2019
Inventory, Imports, Scrap Put Domestic Long Product Prices Under Pressure
Written by Tim Triplett
By CRU North America Analyst Ryan McKinley
Long product prices in the U.S. are coming under downward pressure after a build-up in late-2018 inventory levels lingered into the new year and import prices became more attractive for domestic buyers. Price drops so far—where they have occurred—have been minimal but import deals with arrival dates 60-90 days out were concluded at price levels that point toward further short-term price pressure. Domestic prices are unlikely to find support from the scrap market, which is poised to drop in January m/m for the first time since 2006.
