US Grey Cast Iron Market Remains Steady Amid Raw Material Fluctuations

The Grey Cast Iron market in the United States has shown remarkable stability in recent weeks, with prices holding steady through the second and third weeks of September. This consistency in Grey Cast Iron pricing comes against a backdrop of fluctuating trends in related markets, particularly in pig iron and raw steel production.

U.S. buyers of pig iron (raw material) are showing hesitancy in accepting current price levels due to ongoing weakness in the domestic scrap market. This cautious approach may indirectly affect Grey Cast Iron demand and pricing strategies in the coming months.

The Grey Cast Iron industry is closely watching international market dynamics that could impact domestic supply and demand. With Europe potentially turning to Brazil for pig iron supplies due to quota constraints on Russian imports, U.S. Grey Cast Iron producers may face increased competition for raw materials. This situation could lead to supply shortages and price fluctuations in the Iron market if it materializes.

Despite these potential challenges, the Grey Cast Iron market has maintained its stability, especially considering the significant changes in Ukrainian pig iron exports. Ukraine saw a approximately 185% increase in pig iron exports compared to August 2023, with the U.S. being the primary destination according to the market participants. This surge in pig iron imports could potentially influence Grey Cast Iron production and pricing in the long term.

According to the AISI, U.S. raw steel production for the week ending September 14, 2024, was 1.749 million net tons, with a capacity utilization rate of 78.8%. While this represents a slight decline from the previous week, it indicates a 3.4% increase from the same period last year. This overall growth in steel production could support continued stability in the Grey Cast Iron market. However, the most recent data shows a further decline in raw steel production, with output falling to 1,707,000 short tons for the week ending September 21. This represents the lowest level since early July and could potentially impact Grey Cast Iron production if the trend continues.

As per ChemAnalyst, the Grey Cast Iron market in the USA is expected to maintain its current stability in the short term, but various factors could influence its trajectory. The interplay between pig iron imports, domestic steel production, and international market dynamics will be crucial in shaping Grey Cast Iron pricing and availability. Industry participants should remain vigilant to potential supply chain disruptions and shifts in raw material costs that could impact the Grey Cast Iron market. While the immediate outlook suggests continued stability, long-term trends in related markets may eventually exert pressure on Grey Cast Iron prices and demand.