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    January 14, 2020

    SMU Price Ranges & Indices: Flat Rolled Up Another $20

    Written by Brett Linton

    The price of hot rolled steel topped the $600 per ton mark this week, cresting a psychological barrier that many saw as unreachable two months ago. Opinions are split on how much higher HR can go, and how long it can stay above the $600 level. Prices for all flat rolled products increased by another $20 per ton on the strength of yet another round of mill price increases last week. SMU’s Price Momentum Indicators will continue to point Higher until we see signs the market has peaked.

    As we collected pricing, we did see that the “offers” out of the domestic steel mills are tracking at, or above, $600 per ton. We did collect prices as high as $640 per ton. The trend is for prices to move higher, although we are watching the market carefully as there is some skepticism amongst the steel buyers. We need to remember, prices have gone from below $500 per ton to over $600 per ton in a little less than three months.

    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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