Prices
January 15, 2025
Written by Ethan Bernard & Stephen Miller
The price spread between hot-rolled coil (HRC) and prime scrap continued to narrow in January, according to SMU’s most recent pricing data.
While SMU’s average HRC price edged down week over week (w/w), it rose compared to a month ago. The January price for busheling also increased from December.
Nucor said on Thursday evening it plans to increase plate prices by $60 per short ton (st) as it opens its November order book.
Sheet and plate prices continued to inch higher on a combination of scarce spot tons, long lead times, lean inventories, and stable demand.
Nucor said its consumer spot price for hot-rolled coil will be $1,220 per short ton (st) for the week of Sept. 28. That's a 10/st increase from a week earlier.
US sheet buyers have grappled with supply scarcity in both the spot and contract markets throughout 2026. Now the supply squeeze is spilling over into 2027, according to market participants.
Recycler forward expectations swung toward oversupply in September as inventory drawdowns eased and export demand lost August’s improving responses.