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    Distributors/Service Centers

    July 1, 2026

    Plate market conditions continue to bolster prices 

    Written by Kristen DiLandro

    Limited spot product and extended lead times continue to characterize the domestic plate market, prolonging upward price pressure.

    Some market participants told SMU that unless they had access to imported plate, tracking down spot product remained a challenge. The scarcity of spot plate for purchase from mills has resulted in increased collaboration with other service centers or distributors. However, they say they’re paying a premium in these transactions.

    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.

    Read more from Kristen DiLandro

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