SDI Shipments Hit Record in First Quarter
By
Metal Center News Staff on
Apr 29, 2025
Steel Dynamics shipped a record 3.5 million tons of product in the first quarter, resulting in net sales of $4.4 billion, a 6.9 percent decline from the same quarter in 2024.
Net operating income for the quarter totaled $217 million, well below the $584 million reported during the same quarter of 2024.
“Underlying steel demand improved in the first quarter as customer orders rebounded and backlogs increased throughout the quarter at our steel and steel fabrication operations," said Mark D. Millett, chairman and CEO. "Steel prices improved throughout the quarter from the lows seen in the second half of 2024 as trade actions have seen imports decline from recent highs."
"We should see the benefit from these higher steel prices in the coming months, as lagging flat-rolled steel contracts roll. In combination with our ongoing value-added flat-rolled steel and aluminum expansion initiatives, there are firm drivers in place for our continued growth," he said.
The energy, nonresidential construction, automotive and industrial sectors led steel demand in the quarter. Flat-rolled steel pricing rebounded from recent lows and steel producer lead times extended.
The company’s Sinton Texas Flat Roll Division operated at an 86 percent rate of capacity for the full quarter and often times at production levels in excess of 90 percent.
Additionally, the company's new flat-rolled aluminum production facility gets nearer to completion. Aluminum Dynamics successfully commissioned its first aluminum ingot in January.
Construction is near completion on the hot and cold mills. The finishing equipment installation for the automotive treatment and can sheet coating lines are also on schedule. The company continues to expect to ship commercial aluminum flat rolled coils mid-2025.