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    Analysis

    January 22, 2026

    US HR still theoretically at a premium to Asian product despite S232 at 50%

    Written by David Schollaert

    The price gap between US hot-rolled coil (HR) and landed offshore product has been relatively flat to begin the year. The premium for US hot band remains, on average, among its lowest levels since July.

    SMU’s average price for domestic HR was $945 per short ton (st) this week, $10/st higher week-on-week (w/w). In offshore markets last week, prices were mostly higher as well.

    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.

    Read more from David Schollaert

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