Where the steel community comes together
Keeping a finger on the pulse of the flat-rolled steel market with the latest steel news, prices, and industry updates
What we do
Pricing
Steel Market Update produces weekly price assessments, news, and analysis of market trends affecting prices and sentiment on the US steel market.
Trends and Analysis
Sentiment, Inventories, Prices, and Key Market Indicators – everything you need to quickly adapt in the dynamic steel industry.
Events and Training
We are proud to be an industry leader with our nationally recognized trainings and events, like the Steel Summit Conference and Tampa Steel Conference. We offer in-person and virtual workshops in our Steel Industry Training Program across the country facilitated by industry experts.
Advertising
Maximize your reach to your target market through an advertising partnership with Steel Market Update. Advertising with Steel Market Update ensures optimal visibility, allowing you to effectively convey your unique message to companies involved in flat rolled steel products and markets.
Latest news
Ferrous scrap market outlook brightens
Ferrous scrap sentiment picks up.
Metal recycler SMI acquires two new Kansas locations
Scrap Management Industries (SMI) has purchased two recycling facilities in Kansas.
More appliances added to downstream S232 tariff list
The Trump administration has expanded the list of derivative steel products covered by the now 50% Section 232 tariff.
AISI: Raw steel production takes a breather after reaching 3-year high
Domestic mills continue to produce record volumes of steel, according to AISI’s latest figures.
BREAKING NEWS: Cliffs raises prices, seeks $950/ton for July spot HR
Cleveland-Cliffs plans to increase prices for hot-rolled (HR) coil to $950 per short ton (st) with the opening of its July spot order book. The Cleveland-based steelmaker said the price hike was effective immediately in a letter to customers dated Monday.
Manufacturing in New York state contracts again
However, companies are growing more optimistic about the future.
Nucor’s hikes list price for HRC by $10/ton
Nucor raised its published weekly spot price for hot-rolled (HR) coil by $10 per short ton (st) on Monday.
May service center shipments and inventories report
Flat rolled = 57.1 shipping days of supply Plate = 55.7 shipping days of supply Flat rolled US service centers reined in flat roll supply in May, coinciding with declining shipments. At the end of May, service centers carried 57.1 shipping days of supply, according to adjusted SMU data. That’s down slightly from 57.6 shipping […]
Final Thoughts
We just wrapped another Steel 101 Workshop, where you take what you learned in the classroom into the steel mill.
Steel market participants mull the impact of US/Mexico S232 negotiations
Steel market participants learned that negotiations between the US and Mexico include discussions about Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum despite President Trump’s June 3 proclamation increasing the tariffs from 25% to 50% for all steel and aluminum imports—except for those from the UK.
Doubled S232 lifts EU, Japanese CR prices over US tags
US cold-rolled (CR) coil prices edged up again this week, and most offshore markets moved in the opposite direction. But the diverging price moves stateside vs. abroad did little to impact pricing trends. The bigger impact was from Section 232, which were doubled to 50% as of June 3. The higher tariffs have resulted in […]
Leibowitz: Tariffs are the trade version of going nuclear
In short, when tariffs go up, jobs in consuming industries go down. There is conclusive evidence from past actions: safeguard tariffs in 2002 and Section 232 tariffs in 2018. It is happening again in 2025. The Trump administration wants foreign producers (and US retailers) to absorb tariff increases (except in antidumping cases, where foreign absorption of tariffs is illegal).
Featured
Steel 101 Workshop
Our instructors will present the structure of the steel industry and the steelmaking process. We’ll start with raw materials and continue downstream to hot rolling, cold rolling, and coating. Whether you are new to the industry or are experienced and changing roles, our experts will help you gain the knowledge to succeed!
SMU Steel Summit
The SMU Steel Summit has gone from strength to strength over the last few years, growing from 434 attendees in 2016 to nearly 1500 in 2023. Representing more than 500 companies from the North American Steel Market, this is the event to learn what the future holds and to network and do business. Mark your calendars for Aug. 26-28, 2024.
Survey Results
Discover valuable insights into steel prices with SMU’s market survey. Our timely analysis of lead times, mill negotiations, inventory trends, and market sentiment empowers informed decision-making in a dynamic industry. Stay ahead of the curve and maximize your opportunities.
Community
Join us for our Community Chat Webinars! Every other Wednesday, we give our community the opportunity to hear from experts discussing topics important to the steel community we serve.
Pricing
Interactive Pricing Tool
Chart steel and scrap prices against key indicators with our Interactive Pricing Tool.
| wdt_ID | Product | Low | Avg | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HR | 800 | 860 | 920 |
| 2 | CR | 1,020 | 1,070 | 1,120 |
| 5 | GI | 960 | 1,040 | 1,120 |
| 6 | AZ | 1,010 | 1,065 | 1,120 |
| 7 | PL | 1,010 | 1,135 | 1,260 |
Flat-Rolled Steel Prices
Steel Pricing Momentum
Flat Rolled Lead Times
Steel Buyers’ Sentiment
Mill Spot Price Negotiations
