HR sources report stability, imports improve availability for some
Sources across the hot-rolled coil spot market said it was somewhat easier to find spot HR, at moderately shorter lead times, and at stable prices in recent days.
Tag: Lead Times
SMU Steel Demand Index grows at a slower pace
SMU’s Steel Demand Index saw a slight decline in growth, slightly behind early July, but remaining in elevated territory, according to mid-to-late July indicators.
SMU flat-rolled market survey results now available
The results of the latest SMU flat-rolled market survey are now available on our website to all premium members.
SMU Survey: Extended lead times persist on sheet and plate
Steel mill lead times have trended upward since last November and now stand at or near multi-year highs for all products.
Plate spot market absorbs price hikes amid booming demand
Spot market absorbs price hikes amidst booming plate demand
US CR remains more expensive than most imports
Cold-rolled (CR) coil prices were unchanged in the US this week, while offshore prices varied, though mostly trended up.
SMU flat-rolled market survey results now available
The results of the latest SMU flat-rolled market survey are now available on our website to all premium members.
Final Thoughts: Is a week of flat prices and lead times signal or noise?
If a trend of flat lead times holds, it would represent a change. And we’ve also seen a few of the other indicators we track slip from historic highs – so the potential shift is worth paying attention to.
SMU Survey: Extended sheet lead times take a breather, plate pushes out
Steel mill lead times for flat-rolled steel this week remained extended at historical highs. Plate production times crept out further, while hot-rolled and cold-rolled (HR/CR) coil saw minor contractions.
Nucor holds spot HR price at $1,130/ton, again
Nucor said on Monday, July 6, that its hot-rolled coil consumer spot price will remain unchanged at $1,130 per short ton for the week.
Steel market chatter this week
Earlier this week, SMU polled steel buyers on an array of topics, ranging from market prices, demand, and inventories to tariffs, imports, and evolving market events.
Plate market conditions continue to bolster prices
Limited spot product and extended lead times continue to characterize the domestic plate market, prolonging upward price pressure.
SMU flat-rolled market survey results now available
The results of the latest SMU flat-rolled market survey are now available on our website to all premium members.
Final Thoughts: Now in its own newsletter
What comes next? Do prices plateau and then dip in late Q3/Q4 – which is what we saw in 2021? Or do they continue to rise into 2027?
SMU Survey: Lead times remain elevated on sheet and plate
Steel mill lead times remained extended this week on both sheet and plate products. Current production times three to four weeks longer than levels seen last summer.
Some plate market sources see spot price increases ahead
Participants in the domestic plate market anticipate incoming price notifications before the end of the month, SMU learned in recent conversations.
HARDI: Galvanized market finds strong prices, consistent demand
Galvanized sheet buyers and distributors report that strong demand and constrained supply persist, exerting upward pressure on prices.
Nucor increases spot HR price by $5/ton
Nucor announced on Monday, June 22, that its consumer spot price (CSP) for hot-rolled coil will be $1,130 per short ton for the week, up $5/st from last week.
HR Futures: Market sees longer rally, higher peak
The US HRC futures curve has continued to move higher, particularly in the deferred months, suggesting the market is pricing a slower return to balance.
Final Thoughts: Q4 peak or strong into 2027 (and beyond)?
SMU released May service center inventories on Monday. And if you’re a premium subscriber, I recommend reading the report (here) if you haven’t already.
Final Thoughts: What summer doldrums?
Summer doldrums? Not this year! SMU’s latest steel market survey indicates that an increasing number of steel buyers think prices will continue to rise along with the mercury.
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.
SMU Survey: Sheet and plate lead times extend further
Steel mill lead times extended this week on both sheet and plate products, now at multi-year highs.
HR buyers remain hopeful imports can meet spot demand
Some domestic spot market buyers say they're seeking imported hot-rolled (HR) coils.
Final Thoughts: Is the spot ton an endangered species?
Has anyone seen a creature called the “spot ton” in the wild? I ask because they used to be a common sight. And now I hear they’re endangered.
Final Thoughts: What to watch if you're looking for a peak
Most companies making steel are making a lot money. And they will continue to as current high prices flow into contracts in Q3. I don’t want to kill the vibe. (No one likes that guy.) But let’s put on your risk-manager cap for a second and imagine what might keep everything from moving up and to the right indefinitely.
Plate market says, 'the heat is on,’ as prices and demand soar
Participants in the plate market doubt prices, lead times, and demand forces will cool down any time soon.
Hot-rolled coil market participants accept delays, price increases
Participants in the hot-rolled coil spot market revealed that growing discomfort with current market dynamics hasn't deterred them from conducting spot transactions.
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.
SMU Survey: Sheet and plate lead times hold at extended levels
Steel mill lead times remain at or near multi-year highs for all sheet and plate products.