Embark on an immersive learning journey tailored for steel sales professionals at the North American Ferrous Scrap and Steel Conference. This specialized workshop, “Scrap 101 for the Steel Salesman,” is designed to equip sales professionals with a comprehensive understanding of ferrous scrap, from its origins to its impact on the steel industry.

This compelling opening keynote sets the stage for the conference by delving into the crucial economic ties between the U.S. and Mexico. Our distinguished keynote speaker, a leader in international relations and trade, will share insights into the strategies, opportunities, and challenges involved in reinforcing the economic relationship between these two vital partners.

The panel discussion will encompass key topics, such as the potential impact of upcoming US elections on the industry, the intricate landscape of tariffs and trade policies influencing scrap imports in both the US and Mexico, essential economic forecasts pertaining to the steel sector, and the pivotal role of steel in driving economic recovery and infrastructure investment. Additionally, the panel will explore the consequences of currency exchange rate fluctuations on international trade, the growing significance of cross-border carbon taxes, resembling the European Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and the implications of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) on North American trade dynamics. These subjects are vital for industry stakeholders to navigate successfully and warrant comprehensive discussion.

This session offers a comprehensive overview of the region’s scrap metal export landscape, shedding light on key trends, challenges, and opportunities.

The panel will address key logistics issues, including trucking availability, freight rates, and diverse regional challenges. It will also examine the role of railroads in efficient scrap transportation, considering regulatory complexities and the Jones Act. Additionally, we’ll explore strategies for overcoming logistics challenges and discuss the impact of the first single-line rail network connecting Canada, the U.S., and Mexico on the scrap and steel industries, making it an essential session for conference attendees.

This session delves into the pivotal role of government policies in shaping the demand landscape for steel across diverse sectors in North America. Mr. Kapadia will dissect the regulatory frameworks influencing steel consumption, exploring their impact on infrastructure development, automotive manufacturing, and other key sectors.

The panel will explore the delicate equilibrium between importing and exporting scrap, with a focus on the consolidation of recycling operations by steel mills. It will offer insights into how steel mills manage the import of scrap and consider the significance of scrap quality and origin in international trade. The implications of surplus or shortage of scrap in China on global markets will be discussed, alongside the influence of scrap tariffs and regulations on international scrap trade. Additionally, the panel will dissect the dynamics between Europe and Mexico, highlighting their free trade agreement for steel, and delve into the dynamics of steel flowing from Asia into Mexico. These multifaceted issues will be central to the panel’s examination of international scrap trade trends.

Celebrate women, diversity, and inclusion.

Whether you’re a woman or just want to show your support for women in the sector, this breakfast will both highlight and inspire women in the scrap and steel industry. Attendees will have the chance to network with women trailblazers in the industry as they share their journey, insights and experiences.

Places are limited and on a first come first serve basis. Please RSVP by the 10th of January, 2024 to conferences@fastmarkets.com

This impactful morning keynote sets the tone for the day, focusing on the transformative power of consolidation within the ferrous scrap and steel industry. Mr. Adams, a seasoned industry expert, will explore the current landscape of consolidation, its drivers, and the implications for businesses across the supply chain.

The panel will tackle the repercussions of consolidation within the scrap and steel sectors, honing in on its impact on pricing and competition. Recent acquisitions and mergers in these industries will be examined, shedding light on their implications for competition and pricing dynamics. The strategies employed by large steel mills in acquiring recycling operations will be a focal point, along with the effects of consolidation on smaller, independent recycling firms. The panel will also explore how industry consolidation shapes scrap procurement strategies, touching on the quality and availability of prime scrap and strategies for managing and sourcing low-quality scrap. These critical facets of the industry’s evolution will take center stage in the panel’s discussions.

Join us for an insightful exploration of Vale’s cutting-edge approaches in pig iron production, as Flavia provides updates on the smelter’s operational strategies. The session will shine a spotlight on the transformative role of Mega Hubs and the utilization of briquettes in pig iron manufacturing, uncovering their impact on efficiency, sustainability, and market dynamics.

Whether you are a financial professional, steel producer, or part of the supply chain, this session offers a unique opportunity to understand the financial landscape shaping the future of environmentally conscious steel production. Join us for an engaging discussion where finance and innovation converge, offering a roadmap for financing the next generation of low-carbon steel production technologies.

The discussion will delve into crucial topics, including advancements in direct reduction processes for DRI and HBI, and the integration of renewable energy sources in metallics production. Strategies for diversifying sources and reducing supply chain risks will also take the spotlight, as well as discussions on navigating market volatility, securing long-term contracts, and the market outlook with emerging opportunities in metallics trade. Additionally, the discussion will examine the outlook for US domestic DRI demand and its connection to electric furnaces, providing invaluable insights into this evolving landscape

The panel will provide insights into the expectations and requirements of foundries from scrap yard suppliers, covering processing requirements, prime scrap, and alloy separation. Strategies for optimizing the relationship between these stakeholders will be discussed, highlighting the role of foundries in influencing scrap specifications and how they adapt to changing scrap quality and availability. Additionally, the panel will explore the influence of consumer steel specifications on scrap composition, offering a comprehensive view of the dynamics between these critical industry players.

Gain insights into how this ambitious endeavor aligns with broader industry trends, environmental goals, and market dynamics. Whether you are an investor, producer, or industry enthusiast, this session offers a unique opportunity to grasp the implications of Algoma’s EAF Melt Shop Project on the regional and global steel markets.

This session offers a comprehensive analysis of the financial terrain, providing industry professionals, investors, and stakeholders with key insights into navigating opportunities and challenges in the current economic climate. Mr. Kreft will discuss the impact of economic trends, market volatility, and governmental policies on financing and investment strategies within the ferrous scrap and steel sector.

Join us for a unique opportunity to engage in an open and insightful conversation with a representative from Nucor, a key player in the steel industry. This Fireside Chat will delve into the company’s perspective on industry trends, innovations, and the strategic path forward.

Delve into the intricate connections between the energy sector and steel demand. This session unravels the symbiotic relationship between the oil, gas, and energy industries and the demand for steel. Mr. Trivedi will dissect the dynamics influenced by energy sector projects, infrastructure development, and the evolving energy landscape, exploring the consequential impact on steel consumption. 

This session is tailored for industry leaders, sourcing professionals, and stakeholders seeking insights into securing raw materials amid uncertainties. Explore strategic approaches to competitive sourcing, mitigating risks, and capitalizing on opportunities in a dynamic market environment.

Explore the current and future landscape of steel demand in non-residential construction projects, as Mr. Barrenechea discusses market trends, economic factors, and innovations shaping the industry.

This session is a must-attend for industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders eager to explore the transformative potential of hydrogen in steel production. Join Mr. Scott as he shares insights into the current state of hydrogen adoption, technological advancements, and the strategic implications for the North American steel industry.

The panel will cover a range of crucial topics, including the growing importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) considerations in the industry and the impact of technology on scrap processing and recycling. Emission reduction strategies within recycling yards and advancements in alloy separation technology will also be discussed. Furthermore, the utilization of hydrogen in the steelmaking process, its environmental benefits, and strategies for reducing the carbon footprint in scrap yards will be explored. The panel will delve into recent developments in green steel production methods and the environmental and sustainability requirements imposed by automotive manufacturers. Finally, it will touch upon trends in hydrogen utilization within the US steel industry and innovative steelmaking methods, such as those pioneered by Boston Metal.

 Our expert panel will delve into a comprehensive forecast encompassing production, consumption analysis (a perennial favorite with our delegates), and the pivotal question – how much scrap is needed in the US?

Explore forecasts on steel production, consumption trends, and the specific scrap requirements that will shape the North American ferrous scrap and steel landscape. Whether you are a steel producer, trader, or part of the supply chain, this session offers crucial insights to inform your strategic decisions and stay ahead of the curve.

This session is your gateway to understanding the ever-evolving landscape of Direct Reduced Iron. Ms. Chaudhary will provide a comprehensive overview of the global and regional demand-supply dynamics, offering valuable insights into market trends, production challenges, and the factors shaping the DRI landscape.