U.S. Rig Count Climbs From March 2011 Low, Canada Rig Count Continues to Fall

April 15, 2013 Posted by Steel Market Intelligence

The number of active oil and natural gas rigs in the United States rose 1.9% to 1,771 for the week ending April 12, 2013, up from last week’s 1,738, which was the lowest since March 2011.  The count is still 9.2% below the year-ago level of 1,950.

The highest weekly rig count in the United States since 1940 was recorded on December 28, 1981, at 4,530; the lowest was recorded on April 23, 1999, at 488.

The number of rigs in Canada fell 24.3%, dropping from 206 to 156 – the lowest count since June 1, 2012 – and were down 4.9% from the year-ago level of 164.

The highest rig count for Canada was 727 on February 3, 2006; the lowest was 29, recorded on April 24, 1992.

Source: Baker Hughes Inc.

World Steel Association Sees Stronger Steel Demand Growth in 2014

April 11, 2013 Posted by Steel Market Intelligence

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The World Steel Association (WSA) released its 2014 steel consumption forecast calling for a 3.2% increase in global steel demand next year to 1.5 billion tonnes, saying… more

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March Chinese Steel Exports Surge – Ominous Sign for Global Steel

April 10, 2013 Posted by Steel Market Intelligence

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As Chinese production hit a new all-time record in February and remained near record levels in March, the jump in exports is unsurprising…more

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Domestic Raw Steel Production Highest Since Last September, Capacity Utilization Continues to Rise

April 9, 2013 Posted by Steel Market Intelligence

For the week ending April 6, 2013, weekly domestic raw steel production rose for the third consecutive week to 1.858 million tons (mt), up 2.1% from 1.819 mt last week and the highest level in seven months.  Despite the increase, production is down 5.1% from the year-ago level of 1.958 mt.

We would caution readers that only half of the AISI reporting companies release their weekly production in “real time” so the other half of this data is estimated using the last month’s reported production & operating rate. What this means is that when production is changing, the weekly data is actually understating the change.

Capacity utilization was at 77.6%, up from 75.9% last week and the highest since last June. However, capacity utilization was down from the year-ago level of 79.2%.

The lowest production since the recession began was 800,000 tons for the week of December 27, 2008, while the highest was 2.005 mt for the week of May 12, 2012. The lowest capacity utilization rate since the recession began was 33.5% for the week of December 27, 2008; the highest was 81.1% on May 12, 2012.

Source: AISI and Steel Market Intelligence

Advance/Decliner Index Falls Further, Remains at Seven-Month Low

April 8, 2013 Posted by Steel Market Intelligence

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Our Advance/Decliner Index fell for the sixth consecutive week, remaining at the lowest level since last September asour Ex-China Index hit a six-month low…more

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Iron Ore Price Falls Back

April 8, 2013 Posted by Steel Market Intelligence

The spot reference price for 62% Fe iron ore cfr North China fell 1.0% to $135.90 for the week ending April 5, 2013 and was some 14.5% below the recent high of $158.90 on February 20.

The spot price for iron ore averaged $148.20/tonne in 1Q13, some 22.9% higher than 4Q12’s $120.57/tonne. The full-year 012 average was $128.30/tonne.

The post-recession low was $59.10 on March 27, 2009, while the high was $190.19 on February 17, 2011.

Source: The Steel Index

U.S. Rig Count Lowest Since March 2011, Canada Rig Count Falls Further

April 8, 2013 Posted by Steel Market Intelligence

The number of active oil and natural gas rigs in the United States fell 10 rigs to 1,738 for the week ending April 5, 2013, down 0.6% from last week’s count and 12.2% from the year-ago level of 1,979 to the lowest since March 2011.

The highest weekly rig count in the United States since 1940 was recorded on December 28, 1981, at 4,530; the lowest was recorded on April 23, 1999, at 488.

The number of rigs in Canada fell for the sixth consecutive week, dropping 16.3% from 246 to 206, and is now 68.9% below the 2013 high of 662 on February 22.  Despite the decline, the rig count is up 10.2% from the year-ago level of 187.

The highest rig count for Canada was 727 on February 3, 2006; the lowest was 29, recorded on April 24, 1992.

Source: Baker Hughes Inc.

Gerdau (GGB) Surprises with Leading Rebar Price Increase; Stronger Spring Construction Demand Driving Potential Pick-up

April 8, 2013 Posted by Steel Market Intelligence

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In a surprise move, Gerdau North America is leading with a $10/ton price increase for rebar effective April 15, despite the $22/ton drop in April scrap prices, according to AMMmore

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March ISM Steel Survey – Optimism Losing Momentum

April 5, 2013 Posted by Steel Market Intelligence

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The March survey showed that after a meaningful pick-up in outlook earlier in the year, steel buyers are becoming less optimistic about future business conditions…more

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April Scrap Prices Reverse Course Falling 5%

April 5, 2013 Posted by Steel Market Intelligence

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According to just-published data from American Metal Market (AMM), April prime and obsolete scrap prices fell 5.0% and 5.3%. The main drivers of declines were…more

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