Foreign vs. Domestic HRC Prices: Import Temptation Dwindling

The temptation to purchase foreign hot rolled coil (HRC) over domestic steel is beginning to ease, according to SMU’s latest foreign versus domestic HRC price comparison. Foreign products now hold potential discounts of 9-15% over domestic steel, versus savings of 12-26% one month ago.

Between mid-April and late May, foreign steel prices generally declined at a faster rate than domestic prices, resulting in greater potential discounts on imported products. In recent weeks, foreign prices are declining at a lesser rate than domestic prices. After taking freight costs, trader margins, and tariffs into consideration, select foreign prices now range between $97-156 per ton cheaper than domestic prices. One month ago these potential savings were $159-338 per ton.

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.

Brett Linton

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