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    November 5, 2019

    SMU Price Ranges & Indices: Flat Rolled Price Momentum Adjusted to Higher

    Written by Brett Linton

    Flat rolled prices are beginning to shift gear and are slowly rising after the recent $40 per ton price increase announcements by the domestic steel mills. SMU continues to see a wide variety of pricing in our survey this week, but our channel checks are providing details of prices firming (although some mills appear to still have holes in their fourth-quarter order books). One service center told us this afternoon, “Things seem to be pretty good. We’re not worried about buying on allocation, but prices seem to be sticking.”

    SMU is seeing higher prices on all but plate this week. We are adjusting our Price Momentum Indicator on hot rolled, cold rolled, galvanized and Galvalume from Neutral to Higher. This means we anticipate flat rolled prices to move higher over the next 30 days. Our indicator on plate remains at Lower.

    Brett Linton

    Brett Linton is a digital operations analyst for Steel Market Update, where he began his career. Linton has been in the steel industry since 2010. He has held roles as a category manager and strategic insights director at Reibus before returning to SMU in 2024. He is a graduate of The University of North Georgia with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Brett can be reached at brett@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-314-0179.

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