Short Range Outlook : September 2021
Supply and demand balancing out in global longs market, freight still incredibly high In the global long steel products market, there are signs that supply has caught up with demand and that the supply-demand balance is becoming more neutral. The market seems to be getting back to normal in terms of lead times, prices, etc. We are now in a period where things have to get back to normal, which in fact may be different from where it all started. A price... Read More
Short Range Outlook : July 2021
Global longs market still positive overall despite logistical costs and delays Overall, the global long steel products market still looks positive, supported by strong demand, even though business has become more difficult due to higher logistical costs and time delays in getting goods from one place to another. Exporters are all under pressure due to the increase in freight costs. Container shipments are also very problematic. The only steel moving... Read More
EU extends steel safeguard measures for another three years
The European Commission has announced the extension of the EU’s safeguard measures encompassing 26 steel product categories for another three years until June 30, 2024, preserving traditional trade flows on a per-product-category basis. The Commission has also increased the quota volumes by three percent, and a 25 percent tariff duty will be applied on the products if the tariff rate quotas are exceeded. There will be a review to determine whether... Read More
Short Range Outlook : June 2021
Boom continues in the global longs market, how long will it last? There is still a shortage of steel everywhere in the global long steel products market. Demand remains high in the sheltered markets. On the other hand, there is pressure from the Chinese government to reduce steel prices. It is hard to imagine that this will lead to anything but more supply shortages. If we look back at the previous price booms in the global market, circumstances... Read More
Short Range Outlook : May 2021
Global longs producers hold whip hand amid strong demand, short supply, rising prices Demand in the global long steel products market has continued to increase recently, and particularly demand in China and developed economies continues to push the market up. At the same time, international supply has tightened even further. Most mills are offering a few months ahead, thereby contributing to upward movement of prices. There are imbalances in rebar... Read More
Short Range Outlook : April 2021
Producers dominate in global longs market, outlook appears very positive Lead times are longer than ever in the global long steel products market and there is still strong demand, encouraging mills to continue increasing their prices. The situation has certainly become better from the producers’ point of view. They are all making money and their lead times are elongated. Shortages of material keeps prices and margins high It was somewhat surprising... Read More
Short Range Outlook : March 2021
Spring brings generally bright prospects for global long steel market The current situation and sentiments are generally very good in the global long steel products market. Order books are mostly filled to above average levels. The holiday season is over, winter in the northern hemisphere is coming to an end and vaccinations are progressing. These factors as well as stimulus activities, a will to return to normal, and strong investments are all strong... Read More
Short Range Outlook : February 2021
Sentiment improves in global longs market, concerns remain for February and March Despite some very good margins for December, the global long steel products market is facing more concerns for February and March. China did increase its presence in the export markets and did enter at prices comparable to other sources, but ended up lowering its prices quite quickly. In the current global market circumstances, sentiment is better and so a return to... Read More
Short Range Outlook : January 2021
Short supply in global longs market, full impact of vaccines remains to be seen Supply is still on the short side in the global long steel products market and this situation will probably not change until the second quarter. Chinese demand for raw materials and semi-finished products has been providing the main boost to the markets. As vaccines have started to be released, depleted supply chains have to be replenished, with plans being made for stronger... Read More
Short Range Outlook : December 2020
Global longs market gradually scrabbling back towards normalization The global long steel products market is gradually scrabbling back towards normalization. As effective vaccines are being rolled out, the markets are realizing that we are returning to normal. Business is flourishing. Supply chains are currently restocking and orders are solid, while production levels are not keeping up. Much better situation prevails now in terms of market prices The... Read More