Steel Prices

Nucor’s weekly spot HR price unchanged, again
Written by David Schollaert
April 7, 2025
Nucor’s consumer spot price (CSP) for hot-rolled (HR) coil remains unchanged again this week.
The pause over the past two weeks stands in contrast to the nine-week rally that saw the company increase prices regularly by double-digits.
The Charlotte, N.C.-based steelmaker told customers on Monday that this week’s consumer spot price (CSP) for HR coil would be $935 per short ton (st).
That price is good across Nucor mills, except for its joint-venture subsidiary California Steel Industries (CSI). HR prices at CSI remain at $995/st, unchanged from last week.
Recall that West Coast prices are typically higher than those east of the Rocky Mountains. That’s why CSI’s price is higher than prices at Nucor’s other mills.
Nucor stated that lead times of three to five weeks would continue to be offered. But the company also said customers should contact a Nucor sales representative to confirm that.
You can track Nucor’s price announcements, and those of other mills, with SMU’s steel mill price announcement calendar. You can find that here.
SMU’s current HR coil price range is $860-970/st, with an the average price of $915/st. That’s down $30/st from our previous assessment. We also calculated the average lead time for the HR sheet to be 5.5 weeks, down from 5.9 weeks in early March.
We will update prices again on Tuesday.

David Schollaert
Read more from David SchollaertLatest in Steel Prices

SMU price ranges: Tags flat or down, sheet momentum ‘lower’
SMU’s flat-rolled steel prices were flat or lower as tariff-related uncertainty continued to drag on the market.

Pig iron markets seek clarity after tariff confusion
The pig iron markets have been quiet for the last several weeks, as tariff implementation on imports into the US became a reality. There has been debate on which party will have to pay the tariff. A recent transaction could provide the answer to that question.

HR Futures: Market at crossroads after turbulent run
The market appears to be pausing after a turbulent run. But tension remains just beneath the surface. With net long positioning still elevated, sentiment-driven selling could quickly reignite volatility. Still, supply constraints and limited imports are laying the groundwork for a resilient physical market. This moment of calm feels more like a crossroads than a conclusion.

CRU: Iron ore falls to a 7-month low on escalating trade war
Iron ore prices were largely steady in March, hovering around $100–102 per dry metric ton (dmt) in a quiet market.

SMU price ranges: Sheet and plate prices retreat from recent highs
Steel prices slipped again this week, with all five of SMU’s sheet and plate indices trending lower for the second week in a row.