Steel Products Prices North America

Nucor Increases Plate Prices $50/Ton in Leading Move
Written by Michael Cowden
October 22, 2021
Nucor Corp. in a leading move has increased plate prices by $50 per ton ($2.50 per cwt) with the opening of its December orderbook.
The increase – announced on Friday, Oct. 22 and effective immediately – is equal across all plate products.
The Charlotte, N.C.-based steelmaker had in prior months increase prices for quenched-and-tempered plate higher than prices for other plate products.
The announcement also marks at least the sixth consecutive month that Nucor, the largest mill in the North America, has raised prices.
Nucor’s new ex-works base price for cut-to-length A36 plate is $1,775 per ton ($88.75/cwt), up from $1,725 per ton last month, according to letters to customers.
The steelmaker’s new price for normalized A516-70 product is $1,975 per ton ($98.75/cwt), up from $1,925 per ton a month ago.
And Nucor’s new base price for quenched-and-tempered Grade A514 material with a Grade B base is now $2,335 per ton ($116.75/cwt), up from $2,285 per ton in September.
“We reserve the right to review and requote any offers that are not confirmed with either a Nucor sales acknowledgement or written acceptance by both parties,” the company said.
SMU’s plate price – which takes into account pricing from multiple mills – currently stands at $1,800 per ton ($90/per cwt), up 3.4% from $1,740 per ton from last month and nearly triple $660 per ton a year ago, according to SMU’s interactive price tool.
By Michael Cowden, Michael@SteelMarketUpdate.com

Michael Cowden
Read more from Michael CowdenLatest in Steel Products Prices North America

HRC-galvanized price gap edges higher
The premium galvanized coil carries over hot-rolled coil (HRC) coil has marginally widened in recent months. As of Sept. 16, the spread between these two products reached a three-month high of $175 per short ton (st), though it is still low by historical standards.

SMU Price Ranges: HR slips, hopes for Q4 rebound still standing
SMU’s price ranges were mixed again this week as the market continues to seek a floor amid industry hopes for a Q4 rebound.

Nucor’s hot band list price holds at $875/ton
Nucor held its hot-rolled coil list price flat again this week, according to its Monday, Sept. 15 consumer spot price (CSP) notice.

Market says cutting interest rates will spur stalled domestic plate demand
Market sources say demand for domestic plate refuses to budge despite stagnating prices.

SMU Price Ranges: Some predict bottom is near as big discounts dry up
Sheet prices were mixed this week as some mills continued to offer significant discounts to larger buyers while others have shifted toward being more disciplined, market participants said.