International Steel Prices
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/media/k2/items/src/4adeb2b301fab490eeb63f9bb95754d8.jpg)
Analysis of World Export vs. Domestic Hot Rolled Coil Price Spread
Written by Brett Linton
October 15, 2015
The following calculation is used by Steel Market Update to identify the spread between world hot rolled export prices as determined by SteelBenchmarker and domestic (US) hot rolled prices as published by SMU. Steel Market Update compares the world hot rolled export price to which dollars are added for freight, handling, trader margin, etc. The number generated is then compared to the spot (FOB Mill) domestic hot rolled price using the SMU Hot Rolled Index average for this week, with the result being the spread between domestic and world hot rolled coil prices. This is a ‘theoretical’ calculation as freight costs, trader margin and other costs can fluctuate ultimately influencing the true market spread.
This theoretical price spread analysis is based on our review of world export prices and the hot rolled steel price index produced by SMU earlier this week. As the spread narrows, the competitiveness of imported steel into the United States is reduced. If it widens then foreign steel becomes more attractive to U.S. flat rolled steel buyers.
The world export price for hot rolled bands is $281 per net ton ($310 per metric ton) FOB the port of export according to data released by SteelBenchmarker earlier this week. This is down $13 per ton from the previous release and down $21 from mid-September.
SMU uses a minimum of $70 to as much as $100 per ton for freight, handling, and trader margin, which is then added to the export number in order to get the steel to ports in the United States. This puts the “theoretical” selling price for hot rolled coil exported to the United States as ranging from $351 to $381 per ton CIF USA Port.
The latest Steel Market Update hot rolled price average is $410 per ton for domestic steel, down $20 per ton compared to the last time we did an update on world prices and down $30 per ton over mid-September. The theoretical spread between the world HR export price and the SMU HR price is $29 to $59 per ton ($129 prior to import costs), down $7 from our previous analysis and down $9 from mid-September.
The $29 to $59 spread is $5 to $10 per ton lower than what we have seen over the last few months. Earlier this year we had lower spreads, some negative (meaning domestic steel was cheaper than foreign steel); in early February it was -$19 to $11 and was the lowest seen since late-May 2013. In 2014, the highest spread seen was in mid-May at $84 to $114 per ton ($184 prior to import costs). One year ago the spread was $66 to $96 per ton ($166 prior to import costs).
Freight is an important part of the final determination on whether to import foreign steel or buy from a domestic mill supplier. Domestic prices are referenced as FOB the producing mill while foreign prices are FOB the Port (Houston, NOLA, Savannah, Los Angeles, Camden, etc.). Inland freight, from either a domestic mill or from the port, can dramatically impact the competitiveness of both domestic and foreign steel.
Below is a graph comparing world HR export prices against the SMU domestic HR average price. We also have included a comparison with freight and traders’ costs added which gives you a better indication of the true price spread. You will need to view the graph on our website to use it’s interactive features, you can do so by clicking here. If you need assistance with either logging in or navigating the website, please contact us at 800-432-3475 or info@SteelMarketUpdate.com.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/SMU_BL_headshot-V4-150x150.png)
Brett Linton
Read more from Brett LintonLatest in International Steel Prices
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/SMU_CR_ForeignVs.Domestic_2024-0906_Thumbnail.png)
US CR price spread with imports widens further
The price gap between US cold-rolled (CR) coil and offshore product has widened again. The premium has grown repeatedly since falling to a 10-month low in late July.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/SMU_ForeignVs.Domestic_2024-0905_Thumbnail.png)
Domestic HR prices remain higher than import tags
US hot-rolled (HR) coil prices were largely flat over the past week, remaining higher than tags for offshore material on a landed basis for a second consecutive week.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/SMU_ForeignVs.Domestic_2024-0829_Thumbnail.png)
Domestic HR prices rise above import tags
US hot-rolled (HR) coil prices continue to move higher, surpassing tags for offshore material on a landed basis. Domestic prices, improving on the heels of firmer US mill offers, pulled ahead of import tags as the stateside gains this week were sharper than the increases in overseas markets. SMU’s check of the market on Tuesday, […]
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/SMU_CR_ForeignVs.Domestic_2024-0823_Thumbnail.png)
Domestic CRC price spread with imports widens
The price gap between US cold-rolled (CR) coil and imported CR has widened since falling to a 10-month low in late July.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/SMU_ForeignVs.Domestic_2024-0822_Thumbnail.png)
Domestic, imported HR prices level again
US hot-rolled (HR) coil prices continue to inch up and are now roughly even with prices for offshore material on a landed basis. The closing of the gap between cheaper US prices and more expensive import tags was driven by improving domestic prices on the heels of firmer US mill offers. SMU’s check of the […]