Distributors/Service Centers
July 17, 2026
Written by Kristen DiLandro
Some hot-rolled coil market participants said they’re optimistic that the market will remain strong throughout the rest of the year.
In recent conversations with a variety of sources in the hot-rolled coil market, SMU found that many of them expect consistent demand until the holiday season at the close of 2026.
The results of the latest SMU flat-rolled market survey are now available on our website to all premium members.
Service centers and manufacturers report a tight, seller-driven market for galvanized sheet. Lead times are long, deliveries are late, inventories are thin, imports are down, and demand is strong, causing a shortage of galvanized material.
US service centers’ flat-rolled steel supply declined in August, making the marginal gain the month prior an outlier year-to-date. Shipping days of supply slipped to 44.2 in August, according to SMU data.
Carolina Heavy Steel is set to establish heavy steel processing, fabrication, and coating operations in Ridgeville, S.C.
Totten Tubes has opened a new facility in Cedar City, Utah. The steel tubing distributor and processor, based in Azusa, Calif., recently celebrated the facility’s grand opening.