Tag: cold rolled

Steel mill production times for sheet and plate products remain at or near multi-year highs, according to buyers responding to our latest market survey.

Most steel buyers report that mills are not willing to negotiate on new order spot prices, according to our latest market survey. Mill negotiability is now down to one of the lowest rates measured in over a year.

Sheet and plate prices were flat or modestly higher this week, continuing a trend we’ve seen since the beginning of Q4. The big question: How much longer can the trend hold?

CR imports from Germany, Italy, and Japan on a landed basis remain much more expensive than domestic product. But South Korean imports remain competitive, in theory, even with the 50% Section 232 tariff.

The pace of sheet and plate price increases slowed this week, with most products holding at some of the highest levels seen in over a year.

Most steel buyers report that domestic mills are unwilling to negotiate price on new sheet and plate spot orders.

SMU's sheet and plate prices were flat or higher this week in a US market that remains characterized by extended lead times and limited spot availability.

Cold-rolled (CR) coil prices ticked up in the US this week, matching a similar trend seen in most offshore markets as well.

Following extensions in February, steel mill lead times held steady or extended further for both sheet and plate products this week, according to buyers responding to our latest market survey.

Most steel buyers responding to our market survey this week said domestic mills remain unwilling to negotiate lower prices for new spot orders.

CVDs and anti-dumping duties matter when importing steel. Korea often offers very competitive import rates. The importer of record is responsible for paying any ADs, CVDs, or tariffs.

SMU's sheet and plate prices increased this week to new multi-month highs.

Sheet prices continue to grind higher on tight supply and 'okay' demand. Plate finally saw some movement after weeks of stability as price increases begin to stick.

Participants in the domestic sheet market say they experienced lighter inquiries and fewer orders than in previous weeks, rendering domestic mill price increases for spot-market hot- and cold-rolled coils irrelevant.  

Hot rolled and galvanized lead times are about half a week longer than they were three months ago, while production times for cold rolled, Galvalume, and plate products are one to two weeks longer.

Ternium SA closed 2025 under pressure from lower steel prices and softer shipments. But the Latin American steelmaker expects both volumes and margins to improve early in 2026 as Mexico’s trade defenses tighten and US tariff uncertainty begins to settle.

Since late 2025, mills have begun to hold a firmer stance on prices, tightening their grip at the start of this year and holding on since

As referenced in Michael Cowden's last Final Thoughts, Mexico has opened a formal investigation into cold-rolled steel imports from the US, China, and Malaysia. Here are the details.

Three of SMU’s price indices increased this week, while two remained steady, all holding at multi-month highs.

SMU’s sheet price indices inched up to new multi-month highs this week, while plate prices held steady.

One third of the steel buyers responding to our market survey this week reported that domestic mills are negotiable on new spot order pricing. Mills began to hold a firmer stance on prices towards the end of last year, tightening their grip in early January and holding it since.

Steel mill lead times marginally declined on sheet products this week but edged higher on plate, according to responses from SMU’s latest market survey. Overall, lead times remain one to two weeks longer than levels seen three months ago.

Flat-rolled steel prices inched upward again this week as mixed demand appeared to be offset by limited supplies.

Participants in the hot- and cold-rolled coil markets said winter storms in the East and Midwest may disrupt weekly order volumes and prices.  

Sheet prices mostly continued their uneven but steady march higher this week, according to SMU’s latest check of the market.

SMU’s sheet price indices climbed to new multi-month highs this week, while plate prices marginally declined.

Greer Steel Co. has been purchased by Mutares SE & Co., an international private equity holding company based in Munich.

Mill spot price negotiation rates have tumbled across all products SMU tracks, according to our latest survey data.

Less than half of the steel buyers who responded to our market survey this week reported that domestic mills are willing to talk price on new spot orders

All of SMU’s sheet price indices rose this week, climbing to new multi-month highs. At the same time, our plate index held steady.