Oregon Steel considers to buy slab
The US steel producer Oregon Steel Mills consider to buy slabs for its plate mill in Portland , after closing the melting shop there in May. Oregon Steel evaluated that cost of its own slab production is expensive than buying it from elsewhere. The meltshop was again closed down last December and between January-March this year by Oregon Steel due to a large slab stock. Company officials stated that as scrap costs have been on the rise, to buy slabs at higher prices will be more cost efficient rather than melt. Oregon Steel increased coil and plate prices in line with other US producers. Also, company expects an additional price increase in the fourt quarter of 2003.