Steel Products Prices North America

SMU Price Ranges & Indices: Prices Remain Firm
Written by John Packard
January 25, 2017
The market did not collapse after our article about potential cracks in hot rolled. In fact, the hot rolled prices actual increased by $5 per ton while the other items remained intact at last week’s levels. Although SMU did collect data on hot rolled that was lower than the week prior, the lower offers were still within our range and did not negatively impact our average. Cold rolled and coated products continue to be supported by extended lead times and strong negotiating positions by the domestic steel mills.
Here is how we see prices this week:
Hot Rolled Coil: SMU Range is $620-$640 per ton ($31.00/cwt-$32.00/cwt) with an average of $630 per ton ($31.50/cwt) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range increased $10 per ton compared to one week ago while the upper end remained the same. Our overall average is up $5 per ton compared to last week. Our price momentum on hot rolled steel continues to be pointing toward Higher which means that prices are expected to move up over the next 30-60 days.
Hot Rolled Lead Times: 3-6 weeks
Cold Rolled Coil: SMU Range is $810-$850 per ton ($40.50/cwt-$42.50/cwt) with an average of $830 per ton ($41.50/cwt) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. Both the lower and upper ends of our range are unchanged compared to last week. Our overall average is unchanged over one week ago. Our price momentum on cold rolled steel continues to point toward Higher which means that prices are expected to move up over the next 30-60 days.
Cold Rolled Lead Times: 4-9 weeks
Galvanized Coil: SMU Base Price Range is $41.00/cwt-$43.00/cwt ($820-$860 per ton) with an average of $42.00/cwt ($840 per ton) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. Both the lower and upper ends of our range are unchanged compared to one week ago. Our overall average is unchanged compared to last week. Our price momentum on galvanized steel continues to point Higher which means that prices are expected to move up over the next 30-60 days.
Galvanized .060” G90 Benchmark: SMU Range is $889-$929 per net ton with an average of $909 per ton FOB mill, east of the Rockies.
Galvanized Lead Times: 4-10 weeks
Galvalume Coil: SMU Base Price Range is $42.00/cwt-$43.00/cwt ($840-$860 per ton) with an average of $42.50/cwt ($850 per ton) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. Both the lower and upper ends of our range are unchanged compared to last week. Our overall average is unchanged over one week ago. Our price momentum on Galvalume steel continues to point Higher which means that prices are expected to move up over the next 30-60 days.
Galvalume .0142” AZ50, Grade 80 Benchmark: SMU Range is $1131-$1151 per net ton with an average of $1141 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
Read more from John PackardLatest in Steel Products Prices North America

Thin demand keeps plate prices hovering at lowest levels since February
Participants in the domestic plate market say spot prices appear to have hit the floor, and they continue to linger there. They say demand for steel remains thin, with plate products no exception.

SMU Price Ranges: HR crawls back to $800/ton
SMU’s HR price stands at $800/st on average, up $5/st from last week. The modest gain came as the low end of our range firmed, and despite the high end of our range declining slightly.

SMU successfully completes IOSCO review
SMU has successfully completed an external review of all our prices. The review has concluded that they algin with principles set by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).

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.