Imports increasingly more attractive as US prices move higher

SMU’s average price for domestic HR was $1,145 per short ton (st) this week, $15/st higher week over week (w/w). In offshore markets last week, prices moved down, largely maintaining a trend seen since late April.

The decisive factor remains the 50% Section 232 tariffs. While imports from Europe are just marginally more expensive than, and almost at parity with, domestic material, Southeast Asian products remain at a considerable discount. The dynamic has been emphasized by the stateside rally coinciding with faltering offshore prices.

David Schollaert

David Schollaert is deputy editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. David joined SMU after more than a decade in the metals and mining industry in a myriad of different roles. Much of his early experience and expertise were within the coverage and analysis of steel-making raw materials and served previously as senior editor of the CRU Prices Service. Most recently, however, before his return to market analysis, David held roles as a metals buyer and an operations manager for raw material suppliers. He can be contacted at david@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-720-1008.