Analysis
February 20, 2026
Written by Ethan Bernard & Stephen Miller
The spread between domestic hot-rolled coil and prime scrap prices widened slightly in February. It has been trending in that direction since October.
SMU’s average HRC price was $975 per short ton (st), FOB mill, east of the Rockies, as of Tuesday, Feb. 17. That’s even with the previous week but up $30/st from January.
Worthington Enterprises reported higher fiscal first-quarter sales and earnings while citing rapidly growing data center demand and continued tightness in the steel market.
Sheet and plate prices continued to tick mostly higher this week amid a supply squeeze that shows no signs of loosening its grip on the US market.
This October, SMU is introducing a new way to keep you informed on the latest steel market news and insights: the Daily Digest. Beginning in mid-October, our new Daily Digest will replace the three newsletters currently delivered each week.
The scrap market for October is looking for direction as some participants on both sides of the furnace are indicating scrap prices are poised for an increase.
SMU’s latest Flat-Rolled Steel Buyers Survey shows that in a tight US market marked by long lead times, low inventories, and rising prices, foreign products continue to gain the interest of domestic buyers.