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
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
SMU Week in Review: April 21-25
The constant flow of information we all receive can be a bit overwhelming, but SMU is here to help with a weekly snapshot.
SMU Steel Summit 2025: A vibe you won’t want to miss
SMU Steel Summit 2025 will be here before you know it. Be sure to register!
US rig count up, Canada declines
Oil and gas drilling activity was mixed this week, according to Baker Hughes. US rig counts expanded for a second straight week, while Canadian activity continued its seasonal slowdown of eight consecutive weeks.
Nucor names Batterbee, Bledsoe to HR roles
Nucor Corp. has promoted Thomas J. Batterbee to the position EVP of human resources and talent and appointed Elizabeth Bledsoe to the newly created position of president of human resources and talent.
US, offshore CRC prices continue to diverge
US cold-rolled (CR) coil prices declined again this week, slipping for a third straight week. Most offshore markets did the opposite, moving higher this week.
GrafTech loss widens in first quarter amid ‘global economic uncertainty’
GrafTech International reported a wider net loss in the first quarter amid “global economic uncertainty” and “fluid” global trade policies.
CRU: Chinese steel export prices mixed, although local buying improves
Chinese export prices for longs were almost steady this week, while those for flats generally declined as producers cut prices to secure deals.
Global steel production recovers in March
Global raw steel production increased in March, according to the latest figures released by the World Steel Association (worldsteel).
Wittbecker on Aluminum: US-China trade war clobbers cross-Pacific trade
Container shipping lines have sharply increased blank sailings on Transpacific routes in response to escalating trade tensions between the US and China.
Final Thoughts
Despite some scary headlines lately (especially about Trump potentially firing Fed Chair Jerome Powell) this is not October 2008 (financial crisis) or March 2020 (onset of the pandemic).
But it sure seems like we’ve taken a relatively strong economy and poured a thick sauce of uncertainty over it.
HR Futures: Nascent rally in HRC futures settles above 6-week downtrend
The CME Midwest HRC futures market’s response to Trump’s election and subsequent comments about blanket 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico was surprisingly counterintuitive.
S232 lifts EU HR price over US, Asian HR still well behind
Domestic hot-rolled coil prices were flat this week after dropping for four straight weeks. Most offshore markets bucked the trend and gained ground.
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 | 1,040 | 1,105 | 1,170 |
| 5 | GI | 1,030 | 1,090 | 1,150 |
| 6 | AZ | 1,050 | 1,100 | 1,150 |
| 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
