Steel Dynamics CEO sees strong domestic demand for steel, aluminum products

“We anticipate that improving market conditions, including increased trade stability and a more favorable interest rate environment, will contribute to strong domestic demand for steel and aluminum products,” continued CEO Millett. “Additionally, discussions with our customers reinforce the increasing importance of low-carbon, U.S.-made steel and aluminum – positioning our businesses for a long-term competitive advantage. We expect a favorable market environment to take shape as unfair trade practices diminish, policy clarity improves, and U.S. manufacturing continues to expand – driving stronger demand. We view the U.S. International Trade Commission’s final determinations on coated flat rolled steel as a significant positive development. As the largest non-automotive flat-rolled steel coater in the United States, we view a reduction in unfairly traded imports as a significant tailwind for our operations and market positioning. We anticipate that these broader market dynamics will positively influence performance across our operating platforms. The aluminum team is continuing with the successful commissioning and startup of the company’s Columbus, Mississippi aluminum flat rolled products mill and San Luis Potosi satellite recycled slab center. The cast houses and hot strip mill are operating extremely well and performing above expectations, and commissioning is ongoing in other areas of the facility. The teams successfully produced finished products for the industrial and beverage can sectors, receiving product qualification from several customers. They also produced and received qualification for aluminum hot band for use in automotive applications. We continue commissioning of the cold mill and other downstream lines, including the CASH line. It is an extremely exciting time for all of us. There is still much to be done, yet much has also been accomplished. Our growth strategy has been deliberately aligned with the changing needs of our customers, emphasizing sustainable, efficient supply chain solutions and top-tier product quality – primarily within the steel industry. However, with many of our steel customers also consuming aluminum flat-rolled products, we are expanding into this adjacent market – offering high recycled-content aluminum solutions to meet growing demand – serving the counter-cyclical, sustainability-driven beverage can and packaging industry, as well as the automotive, industrial, and construction sectors. With a performance-based operating culture and deep expertise in developing and managing cost-efficient, high-margin flat-rolled steel mills, we are uniquely positioned to execute this strategic initiative. We view this expansion as a significant opportunity for long-term value creation – one that is generating strong enthusiasm among both our customers and our teams. We remain firmly committed to the health and safety of our teams, their families, and the communities we serve, while meeting the evolving needs of our customers. Our culture and performance-driven business model continue to positively differentiate our company. We remain focused on delivering superior value to our team members, customers, and shareholders.”