Steel Products Prices North America

SMU Price Ranges & Indices: Flat Rolled Up Another $10-20

Written by Brett Linton

October 27, 2020

Flat rolled steel prices increased by another $10-20 per ton in the past week as demand continues to outpace the tight supplies, lead times remain extended and there’s limited competition from imports. Only about one-quarter of the steel buyers polled this week believe prices are near a peak. So, with scrap prices expected to move sideways to slightly higher in November, the uptrend looks likely to continue for a while. Plate prices have not seen much movement despite the recent mill price increases. SMU estimates the benchmark price for hot rolled at $685 per ton this week. SMU’s Price Momentum Indicator continues to point toward higher flat rolled prices over the next 30 days.

Here is how we see prices this week:

Hot Rolled Coil: SMU price range is $650-$720 per net ton ($32.50-$36.00/cwt) with an average of $685 per ton ($34.25/cwt) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range remained unchanged compared to one week ago, while the upper end increased $20 per ton. Our overall average is up $10 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: 5-9 weeks

Cold Rolled Coil: SMU price range is $840-$900 per net ton ($42.00-$45.00/cwt) with an average of $870 per ton ($43.50/cwt) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. Both the lower and upper ends of our range increased $20 per ton compared to last week. Our overall average is up $20 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: 6-10 weeks

Galvanized Coil: SMU price range is $850-$890 per net ton ($42.50-$44.50/cwt) with an average of $870 per ton ($43.50/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 increased $30. 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: 6-12 weeks

Galvalume Coil: SMU price range is $870-$910 per net ton ($43.50-$45.50/cwt) with an average of $890 per ton ($44.50/cwt) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. Both the lower and upper ends of our range increased $10 per ton compared to last week. Our overall average is up $10 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: 7-12 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. Both the lower and upper ends of our range remained unchanged compared to last week. Our overall average is unchanged 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: 5-6 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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