• Skip to main content

    CRU

    CRU: Sheet Loses Upward Momentum on Absent China

    Written by George Pearson


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

    U.S. sheet prices have continued to increase, but this week is the lowest w/w rise since the uptrend started. In Europe, HR prices have fallen, albeit marginally, for the first time since October last year. Although we believe prices are at or near their peak, plateaus or falls in Europe and Asia are partly a result of reduced trading activity during the Chinese New Year. From this week our commentary also includes India, which plays an important role as both an importer and exporter, selling primarily to Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

    Latest in CRU

    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.