Prices
June 8, 2022
Written by Brett Linton
Final Census data shows that steel imports in April totaled 2.73 million net tons, falling 12% from March’s 26-month high of 3.09 million tons. May import licenses have risen from our late-May report to 2.61 million tons, 4% less than April levels and 16% lower than the March high.
Nucor said on Thursday evening it plans to increase plate prices by $60 per short ton (st) as it opens its November order book.
Sheet and plate prices continued to inch higher on a combination of scarce spot tons, long lead times, lean inventories, and stable demand.
Nucor said its consumer spot price for hot-rolled coil will be $1,220 per short ton (st) for the week of Sept. 28. That's a 10/st increase from a week earlier.
US sheet buyers have grappled with supply scarcity in both the spot and contract markets throughout 2026. Now the supply squeeze is spilling over into 2027, according to market participants.
Recycler forward expectations swung toward oversupply in September as inventory drawdowns eased and export demand lost August’s improving responses.