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    Plate

    May 18, 2022

    Hot Rolled vs Plate Steel Prices: Plate Premium at 42%

    Written by Brett Linton

    Sheet steel prices are moving downwards after the March/April bump, while plate prices continue to hold their ground, according to SMU’s price indices published each Tuesday. Plate prices typically carry a premium over hot rolled prices because plate is a value-added product and requires more time on the mill.

    Hot rolled coil averaged $1,350 per ton ($67.50 per cwt) this week and has declined each of the past four weeks. Recall our index had reached a 14-month low of $1,000 per ton in the first week of March, following a record-high $1,955 per ton in September 2021. Our latest plate index averaged $1,925 per ton last week, down $15 per ton from the week prior but up $5 per ton from one month ago. Plate prices have been stable compared to sheet prices, with our plate index remaining between $1,775 and $1,940 for nearly 8 months now. 

    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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