Analysis
February 26, 2026
Tampa Steel Conference: Spoores says prepare for a bullish 2027 steel market
Written by Kristen DiLandro
US hot-rolled coil prices are set to rise year on year in 2026, but the market will face heightened volatility as import flows recover and new domestic capacity comes online, CRU Research Principal Josh Spoores said at this year’s Tampa Steel Conference.
His outlook showed higher average prices for sheet products in 2026. In his analyses, Spoores accounts for domestic capacity growth (increases to domestic steel supply as producers bring more facilities online) and muted end-market demand. Lack of imported steel strengthened domestic steel prices.
