Steel Products Prices North America

SMU Price Ranges & Indices: Flat Rolled, Plate Move Higher

Written by Brett Linton

October 20, 2020

Steel prices are showing some strength in the fourth quarter as mill lead times remain extended, competition from imports is minimal, inventories are near record lows and demand is maintaining momentum as the economy slowly recovers from COVID. Supplies remain tight as a strike, unplanned outages and planned maintenance are keeping mill capacity below normal levels. Assessing flat rolled prices was a bit trickier than usual this week, as mill order books are largely full and availability is limited, especially for Galvalume. SMU puts the benchmark price for hot rolled at $675 this week, though buyers reported numbers considerably higher and lower. Increases announced by the plate mills in the past week should add upward pressure to plate prices. Steel Market Update’s Price Momentum indicator remains pointing Higher for both flat rolled and plate.

Here is how we see prices this week:

Hot Rolled Coil: SMU price range is $650-$700 per net ton ($32.50-$35.00/cwt) with an average of $675 per ton ($33.75/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 increased $40. Our overall average is up $25 from last week. Our price momentum on hot rolled steel is Higher, meaning prices are expected to rise in the next 30 days.

Hot Rolled Lead Times: 6-8 weeks

Cold Rolled Coil: SMU price range is $820-$880 per net ton ($41.00-$44.00/cwt) with an average of $850 per ton ($42.50/cwt) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range increased $20 per ton compared to last week, while the upper end increased $10. Our overall average is up $15 per ton from one week ago. Our price momentum on cold rolled steel is Higher, meaning prices are expected to rise in the next 30 days.

Cold Rolled Lead Times: 7-8 weeks

Galvanized Coil: SMU price range is $840-$860 per net ton ($42.00-$43.00/cwt) with an average of $850 per ton ($42.50/cwt) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range increased $40 per ton compared to one week ago, while the upper end remained unchanged. Our overall average is up $20 from last week. Our price momentum on galvanized steel is Higher, meaning prices are expected to rise in the next 30 days.

Galvanized .060” G90 Benchmark: SMU price range is $909-$929 per ton with an average of $919 per ton FOB mill, east of the Rockies.

Galvanized Lead Times: 6-10 weeks

Galvalume Coil: SMU price range is $860-$900 per net ton ($43.00-$45.00/cwt) with an average of $880 per ton ($44.00/cwt) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range increased $20 per ton compared to last week, while the upper end increased $40. Our overall average is up $30 per ton from one week ago. Our price momentum on Galvalume steel is Higher, meaning prices are expected to rise in the next 30 days.

Galvalume .0142” AZ50, Grade 80 Benchmark: SMU price range is $1,151-$1,191 per ton with an average of $1,171 per ton FOB mill, east of the Rockies.

Galvalume Lead Times: 8-10 weeks

Plate: SMU price range is $640-$680 per net ton ($32.00-$34.00/cwt) with an average of $660 per ton ($33.00/cwt) FOB delivered to the customer’s facility. The lower end of our range increased $30 per ton compared to one week ago, while the upper end increased $20. Our overall average is up $25 from last week. Our price momentum on plate steel is Higher, meaning prices are expected to rise in the next 30 days.

Plate Lead Times: 5-8 weeks

SMU Note: Below is a graphic showing our hot rolled, cold rolled, galvanized, Galvalume and plate price history. This data is available here on our website with our interactive pricing tool. If you need help navigating the website or need to know your login information, contact us at info@SteelMarketUpdate.com.

Brett Linton

Brett Linton is a senior 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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