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    June 15, 2021

    SMU Price Ranges & Indices: HRC Smashes $1,700/ton Ceiling

    Written by Brett Linton

    Hot-rolled coil prices have broken through the $1,700 per ton ($85 per cwt) threshold and now average $1,720 per ton. That’s up $45 per ton from a week ago and closing in on quadruple a 2020 low – reached last August – of $440 per ton.

    The latest gains come after Steel Market Update’s sentiment index reached its highest point ever. And the increases continue to be reflected across all sheet and plate products tracked by SMU. Cold-rolled coil prices are up $35 per ton compared to last week, galvanized base prices are up $40 per ton versus a week ago, and Galvalume prices are up $15 per ton over that time. Plate tags also jumped up $30 per ton compared to the week prior amid chatter that one major producer might soon roll out new and higher base prices. 

    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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