Distributors/Service Centers
July 10, 2026
Plate market remains mixed on whether market will accept mill hikes
Written by Kristen DiLandro
On the heels of SSAB’s price hike, further domestic mill increases to spot market plate seem inevitable to some participants but unlikely to others.
Market commentary
One source from a large service center in the Midwest contends supply will not loosen in the foreseeable future. He said that even as imports enter the market, he expects mills to continue holding or raising prices.
“We have not seen any sign of supply loosening, with plate mill maintenance shutdowns in Q3 only look to be tighter,” he said.
A second plate source in the same region said demand wasn’t improving, but supply felt tight.
“I’m not sure the Nucor gods will bless the SSAB price hike. I don’t think they will want imports and will hold prices. Demand is starting to get spotty. Could be the holidays,” he said.
A West Coast service center source expects price increases to continue.
“In our market, plate is still a very good product. Sales have been pretty strong for certain grades and thicknesses. I look for prices to continue upward and the market to remain strong,” he said.
Prices
During SMU’s weekly spot market price assessment, plate prices ranged from $1,310 per short ton (st) to $1,360/st, the average transaction occurred at $1,335/st.
All prices are ex-works domestic mill.
