Steel Mills
Hot Rolled vs. Prime Scrap Price Spread Jumps in Feb
February 20, 2023
The spread between hot-rolled coil (HRC) and prime scrap prices has widened in February, according to Steel Market Update data.
Prices for both products increased in February month over month.
Our hot-rolled coil price average rose $15 per ton week over week to $825 per ton per net ton ($41.25 per cwt) as of Feb. 14.
February scrap prices settled last week, with busheling prices increasing $20 per gross ton to $460 per ton from January. Figure 1 shows price histories for each product.
After converting scrap prices to dollars per net ton for an equal comparison, the differential between HRC and busheling scrap prices is $414 per net ton through Feb. 14, up $67 from $347 last month (Figure 2). This is the highest reading since the middle of October.
PSA: Did you know our Interactive Pricing Tool has the capability to show steel and scrap prices in dollars per net ton, dollars per metric ton, and dollars per gross ton?
Figure 3 explores this relationship in a different way – we have graphed the spread between HRC and busheling scrap prices as a percentage premium over scrap prices. HRC prices now carry a 79% premium over prime scrap, increasing from 68% a month earlier.
This comparison was inspired by reader suggestions. If you would like to chime in with topics you want us to explore, reach out to our team at news@steelmarketupdate.com.
By Ethan Bernard, ethan@steelmarketupdate.com
Latest in Steel Mills
Cleveland-Cliffs quietly removes name from Steelton mill
The Cleveland-Cliffs name has been removed from its idled Steelton rail mill. SMU asked Cliffs about the move and if it might signal that it is selling the mill...
Nucor sees sequentially lower Q3 profits across all three business segments
Nucor's third-quarter earnings will be down quarter-over-quarter, but still higher than a year earlier.
Hyundai still on for Louisiana steel mill despite US raid at Georgia battery plant
Hyundai has reaffirmed its commitment to build a steel plant in Louisiana following a US government immigration raid at its battery facility in Georgia.
Hybar lowers output forecast, owning up to EAF startup delay
Hybar LLC’s rebar mill in Osceola, Ark., is now melting scrap and will soon be fulfilling orders, according to CEO David Stickler, despite a six-to-eight-week delay caused by commissioning the world’s first Aura electrical system.
Steel Dynamics guides to more metal, more money in Q3
Steel Dynamics Inc. is bullish heading into the close of the third quarter, with all three of its operating segments tracking higher.