Steel Products Prices North America

Steel Prices Return to December 2014 Levels
Written by John Packard
May 12, 2016
This week the benchmark hot rolled steel price average was reported by Steel Market Update at $610 per ton, up $40 per ton over the previous week and $120 per ton higher than just one month ago. The numbers reported this week are the highs for this calendar year and, are also the 52 week highs.
The next price level we are watching is the 2014 HRC price high water mark which was $685 per ton reported the first week of May 2014.
Buyers are concerned with the steepness of the rise in prices. In five months the domestic steel mills have been able to return to price levels not seen since December 16, 2014.
With SMU Price Momentum Indicator clearly pointing toward higher prices over the next 30 days we anticipate that we could come to challenge the $685 2014 high within the next 30 to 60 days.

John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in Steel Products Prices North America

Domestic plate prices could heat up despite so-so demand, market sources say
Some sources also speculated that plate could see further price increases thanks to modest but steady demand, lower imports, mill maintenance outages, and end markets less immediately affected by tariff-related disruptions.

SMU Price Ranges: HR holds, galv slips amid competing market narratives
SMU’s sheet and plate prices see-sawed this week as hot-rolled (HR) coil prices held their ground while prices for galvanized product slipped.

Nucor carries $875/ton HR list price into week seven
Nucor is keeping hot-rolled (HR) coil prices unchanged again this week, according to its latest consumer spot price (CSP) notice issued on Monday, Oct. 6

SMU Price Ranges: A newsy week sees modest price gains despite a quiet spot market
Market participants predicted that prices should be at or near a bottom. But while most seemed to agree on that point, many also said they saw little upside given a quiet spot market and ongoing concerns about demand.

Nucor increases plate prices by $60/ton
Nucor aims to increase prices for steel plate by $60 per short ton with the opening of its November order book.