[Ferro-Alloys.com] Argus reported that ArcelorMittal USA is expected to idle a blast furnace at its Cleveland flat-rolled steel mill as coronavirus-related shutdowns continue to ripple across the steel industry. Reports said that the blast furnace will be idled sometime this week. It must be noted that the furnace had just resumed operations following a maintenance shutdown.

US imports of ferrous scrap and metallics rose in February 2020 as increased scrap and pig iron volumes outweighed reduced HBI/DRI tonnage.

Total scrap and metallics imports for the month measured 740,000t, about a 5pc increase from February 2019, according to data from the US Department of Commerce. Year-to-date totals through February rose by nearly 28pc compared to last year.

PTI reported that facing reduction in demand due to the lockdown in the India, primary steel makers such as Steel Authority of India Ltd and Tata Steel have reduced their output by about 50 per cent. Sources said “The companies have taken the decision because of the reduced demand in the market after the lockdown, which has impacted logistics movement. Buyers are also reluctant in placing orders.”

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