Steel Products Prices North America

SMU Price Ranges & Indices: Mills Keep the Pedal to the Metal

Written by Brett Linton

January 19, 2021

Steel prices seem to be changing by the minute, and so far always in an upward direction. What’s the going price for hot rolled? “Who knows? Ask me again after lunch,” quipped one respondent to Steel Market Update’s check of the market this week. SMU estimates the current average price for HRC is at a new record high of $1,130 per ton, though we heard reports of transactions in excess of $1,300. In general, flat rolled and plate steel prices jumped by another $50-110 per ton as demand continues to outpace supplies and the mills keep the pedal to the metal. SMU’s Price Momentum Indicators continue to point toward higher steel prices over the next 30-60 days.

Here is how we see prices this week:

Hot Rolled Coil: SMU price range is $1,060-$1,200 per net ton ($53.00-$60.00/cwt) with an average of $1,130 per ton ($56.50/cwt) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range increased $30 per ton compared to one week ago, while the upper end increased $70. Our overall average is up $50 from last week. Our price momentum on hot rolled steel is Higher, meaning prices are expected to rise in the next 30 days.

Hot Rolled Lead Times: 5-10 weeks

Cold Rolled Coil: SMU price range is $1,190-$1,300 per net ton ($59.50-$65.00/cwt) with an average of $1,245 per ton ($62.25/cwt) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range increased $50 per ton compared to last week, while the upper end increased $60. Our overall average is up $55 per ton from one week ago. Our price momentum on cold rolled steel is Higher, meaning prices are expected to rise in the next 30 days.

Cold Rolled Lead Times: 6-12 weeks

Galvanized Coil: SMU price range is $1,260-$1,300 per net ton ($63.00-$65.00/cwt) with an average of $1,280 per ton ($64.00/cwt) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range increased $80 per ton compared to one week ago, while the upper end increased $60. Our overall average is up $70 from last week. Our price momentum on galvanized steel is Higher, meaning prices are expected to rise in the next 30 days.

Galvanized .060” G90 Benchmark: SMU price range is $1,329-$1,369 per ton with an average of $1,349 per ton FOB mill, east of the Rockies.

Galvanized Lead Times: 8-13 weeks

Galvalume Coil: SMU price range is $1,260-$1,360 per net ton ($63.00-$68.00/cwt) with an average of $1,310 per ton ($65.50/cwt) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range increased $80 per ton compared to last week, while the upper end increased $140. Our overall average is up $110 per ton from one week ago. Our price momentum on Galvalume steel is Higher, meaning prices are expected to rise in the next 30 days.

Galvalume .0142” AZ50, Grade 80 Benchmark: SMU price range is $1,551-$1,651 per ton with an average of $1,601 per ton FOB mill, east of the Rockies.

Galvalume Lead Times: 8-13 weeks

Plate: SMU price range is $980-$1,040 per net ton ($49.00-$52.00/cwt) with an average of $1,010 per ton ($50.50/cwt) FOB mill. The lower end of our range increased $80 per ton compared to one week ago, while the upper end increased $20. Our overall average is up $50 from last week. Our price momentum on plate steel is Higher, meaning prices are expected to rise in the next 30 days.

Plate Lead Times: 6-9 weeks

SMU Note: Below is a graphic showing our hot rolled, cold rolled, galvanized, Galvalume and plate price history. This data is available here on our website with our interactive pricing tool. If you need help navigating the website or need to know your login information, contact us at info@SteelMarketUpdate.com.

Brett Linton

Brett Linton is a senior analyst for Steel Market Update, where he began his career. Linton has been in the steel industry since 2010. He has held roles as a category manager and strategic insights director at Reibus before returning to SMU in 2024. He is a graduate of The University of North Georgia with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Brett can be reached at brett@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-314-0179.

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