US plate market mixed; prices face downward pressure

摘要

The US plate market remained steady during the week ending March 22, although opinions are mixed on the direction prices are heading in, with shortened lead times and expected downward pressure on raw materials. "The mills are almost game-playing right now [in terms of increases]," a midwestservice centre source said. "I'm supportive of higher costs from the mills, but only if the market supports it. The problem is demand is down significantly year-on-year."