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    May 11, 2021

    SMU Price Ranges & Indices: Flat Rolled Moves Up By Another $20-40 Per Ton

    Written by Brett Linton

    The flat rolled steel market was a little tougher to read this week. Steel Market Update’s survey of the market over the past two days clearly shows a further increase in hot rolled prices, with buyers reporting offers as high as $1,600 per ton. SMU puts the average HR price at $1,540 this week as tons available on the spot market continue to lag demand. Cold rolled prices typically rise along with hot rolled, but the data for cold rolled was less clear, so we opted to leave our CR price unchanged from last week. Coated product prices are up by another $20-25 per ton as demand stays strong in construction, automotive and other markets. Plate prices saw a small increase as well. SMU’s Price Momentum Indicators continue to point toward even higher prices over the next 30 days.

    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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