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    September 8, 2020

    SMU Price Ranges & Indices: Flat Rolled Up $20-30 Per Ton

    Written by Brett Linton

    Steel Market Update’s check of the market this week shows prices for hot rolled, cold rolled and coated steels up by $20-30 per ton as demand continues to improve, lead times extend and scrap prices rise. The benchmark price for hot rolled steel now averages $540 per ton, up $100 from the low point in the week of Aug. 11. SMU’s Price Momentum Indicator remains pointing Higher as prices are expected to continue strengthening, at least in the short term. Prices for steel plate have seen relatively little change.

    Here is how we see prices this week:

    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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    Nucor said on Monday, Oct. 12, that its consumer spot price (CSP) for hot-rolled (HR) coil will be $1,240 per short ton (st) this week, a $10/st increase from a week earlier. The CSP for HR coil from California Steel Industries (CSI) on the West Coast will be $1,305/st, up $15/st from the prior week. Nucor is still offering lead times of three to five weeks, according to the letter to customers. You can track mill price announcements on our website. Steel Market Update (SMU) published a weekly price assessment on Tuesday, Oct. 6, showing HR coil prices averaging $1,270/st, up $10/st from the previous week. We will update our prices on the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 13.