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
Latest news
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
HR Futures: Market at crossroads after turbulent run
The market appears to be pausing after a turbulent run. But tension remains just beneath the surface. With net long positioning still elevated, sentiment-driven selling could quickly reignite volatility. Still, supply constraints and limited imports are laying the groundwork for a resilient physical market. This moment of calm feels more like a crossroads than a conclusion.
Final Thoughts
Nearly 50% of respondents to our latest survey thought hot-rolled coil prices have already peaked. And where will those prices be two months from now? Responses were decidedly split on that question.
April energy market update
In this Premium analysis we examine North American oil and natural gas prices, drill rig activity, and crude oil stocks. Trends in energy prices and rig counts serve as leading indicators for oil country tubular goods (OCTG) and line pipe demand.
SMU Survey: Less support seen for Trump tariff policies
Meanwhile, an increasing number think it’s too early to say whether the penalties are going to bring more manufacturing to the US.
Join SMU on April 30 for a Community Chat with Bilstein Cold Rolled Steel CEO Brent Wilson
Bilstein Cold Rolled Steel LLC CEO Brent Wilson will be the featured speaker on the next SMU Community Chat webinar on Wednesday, April 30, at 11 am ET. You can register here. Reminder: The live webinar is free to attend. A recording will be available only to SMU subscribers. About Bilstein and Wilson Bilstein Cold […]
SMU Survey: Sheet lead times ease further, plate hits one-year high
Steel buyers responding to this week’s SMU market survey report a continued softening in sheet lead times. Meanwhile, plate lead times have moderately extended and are at a one-year high.
Tariff talks define Alcoa’s Q1
Operational results painted a picture of a company that produced more aluminum but shipped less of it as a result of tariffs and timing mismatches.
SMU flat-rolled market survey results now available
SMU’s latest steel buyers market survey results are now available on our website to all premium members. After logging in at steelmarketupdate.com, visit the pricing and analysis tab and look under the “survey results” section for “latest survey results.” Past survey results are also available under that selection. If you need help accessing the survey results, or if […]
CRU: Iron ore falls to a 7-month low on escalating trade war
Iron ore prices were largely steady in March, hovering around $100–102 per dry metric ton (dmt) in a quiet market.
SMU Survey: Buyers report more price flexibility from mills
Nearly half of the steel buyers responding to this week’s SMU market survey say domestic mills are showing increased willingness to negotiate pricing on new spot orders. This marks a significant shift from the firmer stance mills held in prior weeks.
SMU Survey: Buyers’ Sentiment Indices fall
Current Sentiment Index dropped six points to +42 this week compared to two weeks earlier. It has fallen in every successive survey since reaching a 2025 high of +66 on Feb. 19.
Export scrap market weak so far in April
The ferrous scrap export market has been thinly traded thus far in April in the Atlantic Basin.
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 | 840 | 895 | 950 |
| 2 | CR | 1,060 | 1,120 | 1,180 |
| 5 | GI | 1,030 | 1,100 | 1,170 |
| 6 | AZ | 1,060 | 1,125 | 1,190 |
| 7 | PL | 1,100 | 1,185 | 1,270 |
Flat-Rolled Steel Prices
Steel Pricing Momentum
Flat Rolled Lead Times
Steel Buyers’ Sentiment
Mill Spot Price Negotiations
