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    Analysis

    February 6, 2026

    Spread between US HR prices and imports narrows

    Written by David Schollaert

    The price gap between US hot-rolled coil (HR/HRC) and landed offshore product narrowed this week, as price movements stateside and abroad diverged. 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 $965 per short ton (st) this week, $5/st higher week-on-week (w/w). In offshore markets last week, prices were mostly lower.

    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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