SMU Data and Models
March 7, 2019
Steel Mill Negotiations: Talks Tighten, But...
Written by Tim Triplett
Not surprisingly, steel buyers report a tightening in negotiations with the mills following the two $40 per ton price increases announced in January and February. However, the majority of those responding to Steel Market Update’s market trends questionnaire this week say the mills are still willing to talk price–on all products but plate and Galvalume–if that’s what it takes to get the order.
In the hot rolled category, 44 percent said the mills are now holding the line on HR, while 56 percent said they still find mills willing to negotiate. One month ago, 69 percent of respondents said mills were open to negotiations, so talks have tightened significantly.
