Executive Observations

The second quarter of 2010 resulted in price increases for steel and most non-ferrous metals in all regions. The only exceptions to this trend being aluminum and cooper; both of which showed volatile price fluctuations during the period. As illustrated in the following global steel pricing graph, price increments previously announced by mills were implemented during the third quarter and may continue in the near future due to upward pressure from steelmaking raw materials and an oversupply condition in China. Analysts expect to see China steel price breakaway from the regional prices as production in China continues to grow and supplies deepen. ... More