August Market Minute 2024

As the U.S. manufacturing sector experiences a slowdown, and industries such as automotive and construction scale back production, you could feel the impact in your metal purchasing.

At the same time, persistent inflation and sluggish economic growth could create a challenging environment, leading to higher costs and more cautious spending by both producers and buyers.

The Impact on Steel

Price Stability: Steel prices have dropped significantly but may have reached a low point. U.S. steel mills are seeing some recovery in demand, which could stabilize prices around $700-$800 per ton.

Local vs. Import: A smaller price difference between U.S. and foreign steel reduces the incentive to import, encouraging more local purchases, which could lead to longer lead times but might help keep prices steady.

The Impact on Stainless and Aluminum

Nickel Surplus: There’s an oversupply of nickel, which is a key ingredient in the production of stainless steel, driving prices down. This could mean lower costs for stainless steel buyers, but the market is unpredictable.

Aluminum Stability: Aluminum prices are stabilizing due to production cuts in places like Spain and Australia. While costs might stay steady, buyers should be aware of potential influences like transportation rates and tariffs that could impact pricing.

The Local Impact in Texas

If you have been following the fluctuating metals market, you are probably wondering how these trends could affect your day-to-day work and the challenge of finding the right materials.

This is where Jonathan, SteelNow Customer Operations Manager, comes in. Jonathan is out on the road every week, talking to metal buyers like you and getting some insight on what they’re experiencing. Here’s what he has been hearing recently:

Smaller companies feeling the slowdown.

Smaller companies seem to be feeling the market slowdown more than mid-sized businesses. For them, it’s a week-to-week challenge. With fewer incoming orders, their workload can dry up quickly, making it harder for them to keep business moving. Jonathan has heard time and time again, “Smaller operations do not have the luxury of long-term planning. They need a steady flow of business to keep things running.”

Emerging markets on the rise

Despite a slow metals market, business for metal buyers in up-and-coming industries like tech and clean energy seems to be going strong. When it comes to buying metal , they can be less concerned with price and more focused on speed.

Jonathan sees it firsthand, “Our tech and clean energy clients are really pushing to get their projects completed fast. They appreciate that we can get them the materials they need quickly, without delays.”

How Can SteelNow Help?

When jobs do come in, it’s important that the shop can get the metal they need for it quickly.

Many find themselves hopping between suppliers, trying to find material. Jonathan is quick to point out that SteelNow simplifies that process. “Customers tell me, ‘I didn’t realize you can help with such a variety of requests. I can get everything for you now.’ It is a one-stop solution that saves them time and effort.” Metal buyers are often surprised to learn that SteelNow offers not only steel, but aluminum and stainless steel too.

No matter their size or what industry they serve, each metal buyer has unique needs. Jonathan aims to fully get to know each customer’s requirements by creating connections through on-site visits. These visits make a real difference.

“I spent hours visiting one customer recently, meeting their team and understanding their operations,” he shares. “By the end of it, we had identified what material they needed, and within days we had it delivered. It’s those personal connections that ensure we are giving our customers a big experience, no matter their size.”

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