Production shift scheduling is one of the earlier-moving signals of wire factory output direction, because producers adjust shift structures before output data catches up. A plant that's added shifts is signaling confidence in near-term demand; one that's cut to single-shift operation is signaling the opposite. This week's reported changes across the sector are worth tracking...
Capacity utilization across the wire manufacturing sector provides a useful leading indicator of supply conditions that complements the price data covered in our daily pricing briefings. When utilization rates are high and producers are running near capacity, supply is tight and buyers have less negotiating leverage. When utilization is low, there's more competitive pressure on...