US Steel Costs Soar, Manufacturers Grapple With Shortages
U.S. steel-consuming manufacturers continue to grapple with soaring steel prices and shortages while provoking a new round of calls to end former President Donald Trump’s steel tariffs.
While skyrocketing steel prices represent a bonanza to U.S. raw material steel manufacturers, companies that need those raw materials to manufacture their goods are struggling.
Rising Steel Costs Pose a Setback to US Steel-Consuming Companies
Many businesses are fighting to satisfy increased customer demand as U.S. steel shortages continue.
Take, for instance, companies such as an aerospace parts producer in California and an auto and appliance parts manufacturer in Indiana. Both are struggling to meet customer demand as long lead times for domestic raw materials prevail. Steel parts and products that used to take 30 days to arrive now take six months. These are just two types of companies impacted by a fresh round of disruption in the U.S. steel industry.
Capacity utilization rates at steel mills remain significantly below last February’s numbers, and soaring prices are causing steel-consuming companies to lose profits even as their customers pay more for the same products.
U.S. steel prices are almost double China’s and nearly 70% higher than the global market price, even with prices in Europe and China up over 80% from their shortages induced from the pandemic.
The price gap continues to push U.S. manufacturers to import steel overseas, with 18% of U.S. steel being imported last year.
US Steel Producers Support Continuing Steel Tariffs
On the other hand, union groups and steel producers continue to urge President Joe Biden to keep steel tariffs in place. U.S. steel producers see the tariffs as essential, as surging prices of scrap and iron ore present their own challenges.
Fitch, an American credit rating agency, conducted an analysis revealing a profit margin of 45% enjoyed by U.S. steelmakers in January.
Steel Tariffs and Their Impact on the US Steel Industry
The outlook on steel tariffs in the U.S. remains uncertain as high U.S. steel costs continue to push steel-consuming manufacturers to seek supplies elsewhere. However, logistical challenges like a thin overseas supply and container shortages are keeping imports in check.
If the domestic steel market remains tight, some distributors expect imports to increase by June. Much information concerning domestic steel output remains under wraps as U.S. steel tariffs are unpredictable at this time.
Let Summit Steel Help You Reduce End Costs and Lead Times
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Brian Reed is the Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Summit Steel & Manufacturing Inc.