SMU price ranges: Sheet dips lower, more to come?

Written by Brett Linton & David Schollaert

US sheet prices saw a similar pattern this week, customary for much of the year – new week, lower prices. Domestic tags declined this week, aligning with the typically slower summer period – but maybe a further indication of dwindling demand.

The slowdown is highlighted by slipping input costs – scrap dealers have reported significant supply on hand and limited demand, positioning tags even lower in July. Add in shorter lead times, balanced inventories, and ample supply, and all signs point to a bottom remaining elusive for the time being.

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.

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.