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    Market Data

    May 26, 2026

    SMU Price Ranges: Sheet and plate markets tighten

    Written by Brett Linton

    All five of SMU’s sheet and plate price indices increased this week to new multi-year highs. Prices increased between $5-20 per short ton (st) from last week and are $25-60/st higher than they were one month ago.

    Buyers continue to report a tight market where spot tons can be difficult to source. Both sheet and plate prices continue to inch higher, supported by low inventories and extended lead times. In recent weeks, we have seen mills begin increasing cold rolled and coated prices at a faster pace than hot rolled in order to widen the spread between these products.

    Brett Linton

    Brett Linton is a digital operations analyst for Steel Market Update, where he began his career. Linton has been in the steel industry since 2010. He has held roles as a category manager and strategic insights director at Reibus before returning to SMU in 2024. He is a graduate of The University of North Georgia with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Brett can be reached at brett@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-314-0179.

    Read more from Brett Linton

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