At Mainline Metals, we understand that changes in policy, government involvement, or corporate governance can directly or indirectly influence the steel industry. One concept making headlines in 2025 is the “Golden Share.” But what is it, and why does it matter to companies like ours and to you? This guide explains the fundamentals of a…
How the Nippon Steel Acquisition Could Impact the U.S. Steel Supply Chain
At Mainline Metals, our business runs on more than steel; it runs on relationships. From forklift drivers in the yard to seasoned account managers, every member of our team is dedicated to helping customers navigate the complexities of sourcing and managing steel in a rapidly changing world. That’s why we’re paying close attention to one…
What Is Slag? Understanding Its Role in Steel Production and Recycling
Ever wondered what happens to all the extra stuff when steel is made? When you melt down iron ore or scrap metal to create steel, not everything turns into that shiny new metal. There’s a byproduct left behind: a hot molten material that solidifies into a rocky substance. That byproduct is called slag. At first…
Market Update: COVID-19 Impacts Steel Industry
According to recent reports, steel demand has dropped 44% causing a bullwhip effect. Meanwhile, automotive restart is looming. Source: Various 2-minute read As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the nationwide lock-down, the demand for steel dropped 44% since early February. Domestically, Workplace and public restrictions are limiting activities in the construction, automotive, and…
Market Snapshot: Steel Imports Down In January 2020
Import permits show a 10% decrease year over year, according to Commerce Department’s SIMA Data Source: AISI 1-minute read According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the U.S. imported 3,135,000 net tons (NT) of steel during January 2020, down 9.9% from January 2019. Finished steel imports for the month stand at 1,633,000 NT, representing a 33.4% decrease…
Secondary Steel: A Primary Concern
Source: Metal Center News Many of today’s service center companies began as secondary steel houses, taking material the mills couldn’t sell as prime and finding another use for it. But that pathway is closing, as the current non-prime steel market is a smaller segment that bears little resemblance to the days of old. There remains,…
Market Snapshot: AISI Releases SIMA Report for December 2019
Import Permits Increase At End of 2019, According to Commerce Department’s SIMA Data Source: AISI 1-minute read According to U.S. Commerce Department data, the U.S. steel import applications for the month of December 2019 totaled 2,308,000 net tons (NT). This is 12.3% more tons than the 2,055,000 recorded in November, as well as 47.8% more than…
Market Snapshot: AISI Releases SIMA Report for November 2019
Import Permits Continue to Decrease, According to Commerce Department’s SIMA Data Source: AISI 1-minute read According to U.S. Commerce Department data, the U.S. steel import applications totaled 1,864,000 net tons (NT) for November 2019. This is 28.1% fewer tons than the 2,594,000 recorded in October. Import data for finished steel in November was 1,201,000, which is…
Market Snapshot: Census releases SIMA Report for October 2019
U.S. Census Bureau releases its report on steel imports for October 2019 Source: AISI 1-minute read According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the U.S. imported 2,560,000 net tons (NT) of steel in October 2019, of which 1,519,000 NT are finished steel. This represents an increase of 34.6% and a decrease of 0.9%, respectively, compared to September…
Global Associations Continue Fight Against Steel Excess Capacity
Sixteen steel-industry associations release another statement commending global forum’s commitment to working to solve issue of steel excess capacity. Source: AISI 2-minute read Following a statement made by steel-industry organizations last week, sixteen steel-industry associations around the world released a statement praising an agreement by the Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity (GFSEC) which looks…