SMU price ranges: Sheet indices mixed, plate stable

Each of our indices have fluctuated within relatively narrow ranges across September, ranging from $10-25 per short ton (st).

We are hearing that high inventories and uneven demand are the culprits keeping prices in check. Some factors could send them higher, such as trade case impacts and a potential port strike.

Our hot-rolled steel index increased $5/st week over week (w/w) to $695/st, the highest price seen this month. HR prices are up by $60/st compared to levels two months prior, when they had reached a year-and-a-half low of $635/st in July.

Following a 10-week high recorded last week, cold-rolled steel prices edged $5/st lower w/w to $945/st. Prices have recovered $45/st from July’s 10-month low.

Prices for coated products remained around their highest points in the last three months. Our base Galvanized index held steady at $920/st. Galvalume base prices increased $10/st w/w to $940/st. Our coated indices have risen $45-50/st compared to their mid-July lows.

This week our plate index held steady for the third consecutive week at $950/st. Plate prices have declined $70/st over the last two months and have overall trended downward since late last year.

SMU’s sheet price momentum indicator remains at neutral following our Sept. 10 adjustment. Our plate price momentum indicator remains at lower.

Hot-rolled coil

The SMU price range is $660-730/st, averaging $695/st FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range is unchanged w/w, while the top end is up $10/st w/w. Our overall average is up $5/st w/w. Our price momentum indicator for hot-rolled steel remains at neutral, meaning we see no clear direction for prices over the next 30 days.

Hot rolled lead times range from 3-7 weeks, averaging 4.9 weeks as of our Sept. 11 market survey. We will publish updated lead times this Thursday.

Cold-rolled coil

The SMU price range is $890–1,000/st, averaging $945/st FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range is down $10/st w/w, while the top end is unchanged w/w. Our overall average is down $5/st w/w. Our price momentum indicator for cold-rolled steel remains at neutral, meaning we see no clear direction for prices over the next 30 days.

Cold rolled lead times range from 5-8 weeks, averaging 6.7 weeks through our latest survey.

Galvanized coil

The SMU price range is $860–980/st, averaging $920/st FOB mill, east of the Rockies. Our range is unchanged w/w. Our price momentum indicator for galvanized steel remains at neutral, meaning we see no clear direction for prices over the next 30 days.

Galvanized .060” G90 benchmark: SMU price range is $957–1,077/st, averaging $1,017/st FOB mill, east of the Rockies.

Galvanized lead times range from 6-8 weeks, averaging 7.2 weeks through our latest survey.

Galvalume coil

The SMU price range is $900–980/st, averaging $940/st FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range is unchanged w/w, while the top end is up $20/st w/w. Our overall average is up $10/st w/w. Our price momentum indicator for Galvalume steel remains at neutral, meaning we see no clear direction for prices over the next 30 days.

Galvalume .0142” AZ50, grade 80 benchmark: SMU price range is $1,194–1,274/st, averaging $1,234/st FOB mill, east of the Rockies.

Galvalume lead times range from 6-9 weeks, averaging 7.3 weeks through our latest survey.

Plate

The SMU price range is $900–1,000/st, averaging $950/st FOB mill. Our range is unchanged w/w. Our price momentum indicator for plate remains at lower, meaning we expect prices to decline over the next 30 days.

Plate lead times range from 2-6 weeks, averaging 3.9 weeks through our latest survey.

SMU note: Above is a graphic showing our hot rolled, cold rolled, galvanized, Galvalume, and plate price history. This data is also available here on our website with our interactive pricing tool. If you need help navigating the website or need to know your login information, contact us at info@steelmarketupdate.com.