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    Analysis

    January 29, 2026

    Spread between US HR and imports widens marginally

    Written by David Schollaert

    The price gap between US hot-rolled coil (HR/HRC) and landed offshore product inched higher this week, even as prices stateside and abroad mostly moved in tandem vs. last week. Still, the premium for US hot band over imports has remained in a relatively tight band since early December.

    SMU’s average price for domestic HR was $960 per short ton (st) this week, $15/st higher week-on-week (w/w). In offshore markets last week, prices were mostly higher.

    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.

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