SMU Survey: Mills hold firm on price, little negotiation room for buyers

The majority of the steel buyers responding to our latest market survey continue to report that domestic mills remain firm on pricing, showing little willingness to talk price on new spot orders this week.

Following President Trump’s tariff actions and rising mill prices, negotiation rates plummeted in mid-February and reached a near-two-year low by early March. This week, negotiation rates have marginally increased but remain on the low side.

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.