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    September 14, 2023

    Imported HRC Tags Climbing vs. US Product

    Written by David Schollaert

    US hot-rolled coil (HRC) continues to drop in price relative to imported hot band. Domestic product remains a better deal than offshore HRC as US tags sink further, according to SMU’s latest foreign vs. domestic price analysis.

    Domestic HRC prices have eroded for five straight months, and have been trending lower at a faster clip than offshore hot band. The premium US hot-rolled held over imported material has turned by more than 20% since early July. Imported product is now roughly 6% more expensive than domestic hot band.

    David Schollaert

    David Schollaert is deputy editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. David joined SMU after more than a decade in the metals and mining industry in a myriad of different roles. Much of his early experience and expertise were within the coverage and analysis of steel-making raw materials and served previously as senior editor of the CRU Prices Service. Most recently, however, before his return to market analysis, David held roles as a metals buyer and an operations manager for raw material suppliers. He can be contacted at david@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-720-1008.

    Read more from David Schollaert

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