Still A Trump Trade Left In Steel? Citi Upgrades Commercial Metals

As the Section 232 probe continues, Citi analyst, Alexander Hacking, sees a favorable market for long steel products, as he upgraded Commercial Metals Company (NYSE: CMC) to Buy.

“We see the greatest upside from potential Section 232 trade action in long steel products and long steel mills. This is somewhat anti-consensus since investors appear to be playing the theme through higher-beta flat steel mills (United States Steel Corporation (NYSE: X) and AK Steel Holding Corporation (NYSE: AKS)),” Hacking said (Check out Alexander Hacking's track record).

Why Should You Trade Long Products Over Flat Product?

• Long products have a larger market share than flat products. 
• It would be much more beneficial for long products to have a quote-based system according to Hacking.
• Hacking sees fewer risks in long products from idled capacity, indirect imports and the exclusion of NAFTA.

Overall, Citi remains Neutral on the U.S. steel sector as margins have contracted significantly and with a less demand from automakers. The United States is also expected to release its findings from the probe as soon as this week, according to White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer.

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