US Hot Band Now Even Cheaper Than Imported HRC

US hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices fell further relative to imported product this week. Domestic hot band remains cheaper than offshore HRC as US tags continue to sink at a sharper rate than those overseas, according to SMU’s latest foreign vs. domestic price analysis.

Domestic HRC prices have eroded for nearly six months, far outpacing a similar trend for offshore hot band. The premium US hot-rolled held over imported material has turned by nearly 25% since early July. Imported product is now roughly 10% more expensive than stateside 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.