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    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.

    Kristen DiLandro

    Kristen DiLandro is a reporter for Steel Market Update. Kristen focuses on the micro and macro steel market conditions informing North American spot prices. Following her agency career in advertising, she attained an MFA in Writing from Savannah College of Art and Design. Kristen can be reached at kristen@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-221-8143.

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