Distributors/Service Centers
May 8, 2026
Plate market participants predict more mill price hikes
Written by Kristen DiLandro
Plate market participants expect additional base price hikes from domestic mills, raising interest in imports.
Estimates on how much mills will go up range from $30 to $40 per short ton (st) to much higher. Most sources said they anticipate mill hikes will arrive before the end of the month.
Handling increased fuel surcharges remained another consideration for plate market participants. A cost many have passed along to customers.
Market Commentary
A Midwest service center source said he anticipates higher prices from mills and would consider stocking imported plate if the product availability matched his business needs.
“I expect to see (US) prices up $30-40/st for orders booked in July. We see the fuel charge and pass it on to our customers. Sometimes we roll it into sales prices or as an add on,” he said.
A Northeast based service center source said he expects mills to up base prices by $60/st. His said his business has remained strong over the last week. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see mills up prices $60/st. Business remains awesome,” he said.
A West Coast service center source said he found spot activity over the past week to be on par with prior weeks. He said his company continues to buy both imported and domestic steel.
Prices
SMU’s weekly spot price for plate stands at $1,225/st, up $10/st from the prior assessment. That number is up $45/st from $1,180/st a month ago and up $205/st from $1,020 at the beginning of the year. Plate prices now stand at their highest point since April 2024.
SMU will next update plate prices on Tuesday afternoon.
Reach out to the author at kristen.dilandro@crugroup.com if you’re interested in contributing your perspective to our weekly plate market report. We will always keep your name and your company’s name confidential.
