Founded in 2008, Steel Market Update provides and analyses real-time pricing, market trends, and relevant information related to the North American flat rolled steel market through its newsletter, website and events.

CRU acquired the highly successful US-based Steel Market Update (SMU) conference, training and newsletter business in 2018.

CRU provides a complete view of the steel industry through market analysis and forecasts, market-leading price assessments and comprehensive cost services, all driven by a global team of analysts. Learn more

Together, we provide the most extensive coverage and holistic view of the market to help our customers make critical business decisions.

SMU's Steel Summit is the premier steel conference in North America, attracting 1000 industry participants. 95% of attendees are actively associated with the flat rolled steel industry in North America and around the world: they are decision-makers from manufacturing companies, distribution, trading, steel mills, wholesalers, toll processors, and logistics.

The Steel 101 series has been running for 10 years and is widely acknowledged as the industry's leading training programme for understanding steel making and market fundamentals.

In 2020, SMU launched three hedging steel price risk workshops which have proved popular and instructive to those wanting to learn more about managing the risks associated with rapidly rising and falling steel prices (volatility).

We have reinvented many of our events model to a virtual format, however, the only "virtual" element of the conference is the venue: it still offers real insight, real networking, and real business opportunities. And at a reduced cost to attend and no travel and accommodation costs - real value.

The SMU Newsletter provides independent and timely steel industry pricing, analysis and news for the North American market.

Our information is assembled in part by a staff of talented writers and a panel of prominent industry experts, but above all, SMU is John Packard – the publisher of SMU whose experience and expertise comes from a 30-year career in the steel industry. His experience includes senior management, sales & purchasing positions at service centers, trading companies and a domestic mill.

Like you, he has been held the responsibilities associated with sitting in your chair as a buyer or seller of steel products. Steel Market Update maintains ongoing conversations at all levels of the steel industry, from the executive suite to the newly hired buyer, salesperson or support staff. We never hesitate to ask tough questions on your behalf – and then we always deliver the answers to you clearly, candidly, and completely.

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