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A strong market and improved economy are being credited for Nucor’s record second-quarter profits. The Charlotte, N.C.-based minimill reported net earnings of $683.2 million in the quarter, which is more than double what the company earned in the second quarter of 2017.

The Canada Border Services Agency has initiated an investigation into alleged dumping of certain carbon steel welded pipe from Pakistan, the Philippines, Turkey and Vietnam. The investigation follows a complaint filed by Novamerican Steel Inc.

U.S. service center steel shipments in June increased 1.4 percent from June 2017, according to the latest Metals Activity Report from the Metals Service Center Institute, Rolling Meadows, Ill. Shipments of aluminum products increased 0.5 percent.

World crude steel production totaled 881.5 million tons in the first half of 2018, a 4.6 percent increase compared with the prior year, reports the Brussels-based World Steel Association. In June, global production climbed 7.5 percent to 80.2 million tons.

Last week, most of you probably received Metal Center News’ July 2018 Survey. Many of you have already completed it, and for that we offer our thanks. Others are encouraged to take the few minutes necessary to fill it out. Respondents will be eligible to win one of three VISA gift cards to incentivize your participation.

Steel Dynamics President and CEO Mark Millett confirmed reports the producer is pursuing an acquisition of the idled Kentucky Electric Steel during SDI’s quarterly conference call. Millett said he would describe the deal as in the “planned acquisition” stage, though that the completion of the transaction was looking favorable.

Mid-year 2018 is a good time to be a stainless steel producer in North America. Demand for most major end markets is healthy, Section 232 and steadily rising raw materials costs have led to increased pricing, and tax and regulatory reform have resulted in business operators keeping more of those profits.

Kloeckner Metals, Roswell, Ga., has just wrapped up the installation of four PVD lines at its Cincinnati location. The process applies a variety of coatings onto traditional stainless products through Physical Vapor Deposition.

Zekelman Industries, Chicago, has acquired Hayes Modular Group, based in Austin, Texas. Through this acquisition, Zekelman Industries has expanded its presence in the modular construction industry.

Atlanta-based aluminum roller and recycler Novelis Inc. will acquire Cleveland-based Aleris for approximately $2.6 billion. Aleris is a producer of rolled aluminum products.