Service center shipments represent a substantial volume of the metals consumed by machine shops and fabricators and the activities at those operations are a reflection of industrial activity in the North America

The Economy

Double-Digit Declines in Metal Service Centers' Shipments

Aug. 19, 2016

North American metals service centers continued to report declining shipment volumes for steel and aluminum during July, with double-digit reductions in steel and aluminum from June and July 2015.

Robert Brooks

North American metals service centers continued to report declining shipment totals for steel and aluminum during July, with all the reported examples showing double-digit reductions in tonnage from June and July 2015, though inventory levels also have declined versus the 2015 reports. The Metals Service Center Institute’s monthly Metals Activity Report details shipment and inventory totals for steel and aluminum at service centers in the U.S. and Canada.

Service center shipments correspond to a substantial volume of the metals consumed by machine shops and fabricators, and the activities at those operations are a reflection of industrial activity in the North America.

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About the Author

Robert Brooks | Content Director

Robert Brooks has been a business-to-business reporter, writer, editor, and columnist for more than 20 years, specializing in the primary metal and basic manufacturing industries. His work has covered a wide range of topics, including process technology, resource development, material selection, product design, workforce development, and industrial market strategies, among others. Currently, he specializes in subjects related to metal component and product design, development, and manufacturing — including castings, forgings, machined parts, and fabrications.

Brooks is a graduate of Kenyon College (B.A. English, Political Science) and Emory University (M.A. English.)