Tag: pricing

Some hot-rolled coil market participants said they're optimistic that the market will remain strong throughout the rest of the year. 

Some domestic plate market sources expect spot price rises through the end of the year due to prolonged supply constraints.

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.

Some domestic hot-rolled coil market participants say they expect prices for hot-rolled coils to remain stable through the end of 2026.  The market participants predicted that mills would hold spot prices and incrementally tighten lead times. Continuing, that they’ll find imported product arrivals, experience seasonal demand dips and all conditions will culminate in stable prices throughout the summer.   Asked […]

Aluminum prices have spent the past month pricing in a calmer Middle East, while developments in the Strait of Hormuz have suggested anything but.

The majority of steel buyers we polled this week reported that mills are holding firm on new order spot prices.

We’ve gotten so used to the slow, steady increases by now that $5/ton feels like the new flat. And flat, after so many consecutive weeks of gains, feels like a decrease.

Both Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices continue to indicate that steel buyers are confident in their companies’ prospects today, as well as in the months ahead.

Steel buyers negotiation rates remain at or near historic lows across most sheet and plate products.

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.

Earlier this week, SMU polled steel buyers on an array of topics, ranging from prices, demand, and inventories to tariffs, imports, and evolving market conditions.

Some domestic spot market buyers say they're seeking imported hot-rolled (HR) coils.

This week we saw continued low negotiation rates across all products, with cold rolled and plate the least negotiable and galvanized the most.

SSAB Americas plans to increase plate prices by at least $40 per short ton (st), according to a letter sent to customers on Monday.

After falling to a multi-year low in March, the premium galvanized coil commands over hot-rolled (HR) coil has widened in recent months.

SMU’s sheet price indices continued to climb this week, while plate held steady, all at multi-year highs.

Stronger for longer sentiment remains in the house when it comes to flat-rolled steel prices, according to SMU’s latest steel market survey.

This week we saw low negotiation rates across all products, with coated and plate products slightly more negotiable than hot rolled and cold rolled.

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.

Inventories are getting dangerously low. (Sheet stocks are at their lowest point since May 2021!) Lead times remain extended. And mills have few spot tons available. (The ‘a’ word – “allocation” – is being kicked around.)

Buyers continue to report mills are holding a firm grip on sheet and plate prices.

Plate market participants wonder how plate supply will hold up in coming weeks and months, sources told SMU.   Some sources called out dwindling availability of heavier grades and said certain domestic producers have “a huge backlog.” of all grades.

In a May 11 price notice, SSAB upped its transaction prices for new, non-contract plate orders confirmed to ship from June 28 onward.

The current rally in sheet prices has lasted more than seven months, something without recent precedent. Unless your definition of recent includes the snapback in demand following the pandemic.

The export market on the North American East Coast has been firming after seeing a sale that climbed to $415.50 per metric ton (mt) CFR for HMS 85/15.

This week we saw low negotiation rates across all products, though coated products are the most negotiable and plate products are the least.

Sheet market participants reported steady to elevated demand over the past week. But while spot prices continued to edge up, some sources said lead times were becoming more closely aligned to industry norms.

SMU’s Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices indicate that steel buyers remain highly optimistic about their businesses’ chances for current and future success.

Most sheet and plate buyers continue to report that mills are not negotiable on new order spot prices, according to our latest market survey conducted this week.

Participants in the galvanized steel market remain encouraged by strengthening product prices, even as increases unfold at a subdued pace.