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    CRU

    January 15, 2021

    CRU: Competitive Imports a Potential Turning Point for Sheet

    Written by George Pearson

    By CRU Prices Analyst George Pearson from CRU’s Steel Sheet Products Monitor

    HR coil import prices and lead times are now competitive with domestic mills in the U.S. and Europe. Both markets remain tight in the short-term, but this is giving buyers more optionality for forward deliveries than in previous months and some negotiation power again—although still limited—in what has been a very strong seller’s market.

    George Pearson

    Read more from George Pearson

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    CRU: HR coil futures re-price 2027 forward curve

    CME Group’s hot-rolled coil futures have jumped higher as the loss of a reheating line at a large Southern mill have renewed domestic production issues. At market close on Oct. 12, the Q4'26 futures are now pricing in $1,295 per short ton (st) for HR coil, a month-over-month (m/m) increase of $63/st. For 2027, the forward curve is up $80 /st vs. September, at $1,207/st. For November 2026 through March 2027, prices are at an average just above $1,300/st.