Steel Products Prices North America
SMU Price Ranges & Indices: Mixed Results
Written by John Packard
February 2, 2016
We saw mixed results for flat rolled steel price ranges and averages this week. We saw modest gains in hot rolled, cold rolled and Galvalume while galvanized remained the same as last week.
Lead times remained short on hot rolled which continues to be the weakest product. We are also beginning to see “inquire” only signs at some of the mills on cold rolled and coated steels. We discuss that in more detail in an article about lead times in this issue of our newsletter.
With that said, here is how we see spot flat rolled prices this week (all prices shown are in net tons which are equal to 2,000 pounds):
Hot Rolled Coil: SMU Range is $380-$440 per ton ($19.00/cwt- $22.00/cwt) with an average of $410 per ton ($20.50/cwt) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range remained the same compared to one week ago while the upper end increased $10 per ton. Our overall average $5 higher over last week. SMU price momentum for hot rolled steel has prices rising over the next 30 days.
Hot Rolled Lead Times: 2-5 weeks.
Cold Rolled Coil: SMU Range is $520-$570 per ton ($26.00/cwt- $28.50/cwt) with an average of $545 per ton ($27.25/cwt) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range decreased $10 per ton compared to last week while the upper end increased $20 per ton. Our overall average is up $5 per ton compared to one week ago. SMU price momentum for cold rolled steel is for prices to increase over the next 30 days.
Cold Rolled Lead Times: 5-8 weeks.
Galvanized Coil: SMU Base Price Range is $27.00/cwt-$28.50/cwt ($540-$570 per ton) with an average of $27.75/cwt ($555 per ton) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. Both the lower and upper ends of our range remained unchanged compared to one week ago. Our overall average did not change. Our price momentum on galvanized steel is for prices to move higher over the next 30 days.
Galvanized .060” G90 Benchmark: Galvanized .060” G90 Benchmark: $600-$630 per net ton with an average of $615 per ton FOB mill, east of the Rockies.
Galvanized Lead Times: 4-9 weeks.
Galvalume Coil: SMU Base Price Range is $27.50/cwt-$29.00/cwt ($550-$580 per ton) with an average of $28.25/cwt ($565 per ton) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range remained the same compared to last week while the upper end increased $10 per ton. Our overall average is $5 per ton higher than it was one week ago. Like the other flat rolled products mentioned above our price momentum for Galvalume is currently pointing towards an increase in prices over the next 30 days.
Galvalume .0142” AZ50, Grade 80 Benchmark: SMU Range is $841-$871 per net ton with an average of $856 per ton FOB mill, east of the Rockies.
Galvalume Lead Times: 5-9 weeks.
SMU Note: Below is a graphic showing our hot rolled, cold rolled, galvanized, and Galvalume price history. To use the graphs interactive capabilities, you must view it on our website here. If you need help navigating the website or need to know your login information, contact us at info@SteelMarketUpdate.com or by calling 800-432-3475.
John Packard
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