SMU Data and Models
June 6, 2019
Steel Mill Negotiations: "Let's Talk Price!"
Written by Tim Triplett
It’s nearly unanimous that steel prices are in play. More than nine out of 10 flat rolled steel buyers responding to SMU’s market trends questionnaire this week reported that the mills are willing to negotiate price in order to secure the order. The vast majority even reported the mills willing to talk price on plate. With negotiations so wide open, steel prices are likely to remain under pressure.
About 97 percent of respondents said the mills are open to price negotiations on hot rolled, up 6 points from 91 percent two weeks ago. Just 3 percent said the mills are currently holding the line on HR.
