Steel Products Prices North America

SMU Price Ranges & Indices: Surprise Drop?

Written by John Packard

January 31, 2017

Steel Market Update (SMU) collected data from the flat rolled steel markets which indicated some changes in the index averages. Whether this is a signal of a break in prices is not yet known and something we will be working on over the next few days. We have seen data this week whereby the strength of the market is not in question. At the same time we have found “tonnage discounts” that were not available last week. We solicited comments from a couple of mills – one thought our cold rolled and coated prices were a tad low while the other commented our cold rolled numbers were a bit high… (?).

Here is how we see prices this week:

Hot Rolled Coil: SMU Range is $610-$640 per ton ($30.50/cwt-$32.00/cwt) with an average of $625 per ton ($31.25/cwt) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range decreased $10 per ton compared to one week ago while the upper end remained the same. Our overall average is down $5 per ton compared to last week. Our price momentum on hot rolled steel continues to be pointing toward Higher which means that prices are expected to move up over the next 30-60 days.

Hot Rolled Lead Times: 3-6 weeks

Cold Rolled Coil: SMU Range is $800-$840 per ton ($40.00/cwt-$42.00/cwt) with an average of $820 per ton ($41.00/cwt) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. Both the lower and upper ends of our range are down $10 per ton compared to last week. Our overall average is $10 lower compared to one week ago. Our price momentum on cold rolled steel continues to point toward Higher which means that prices are expected to move up over the next 30-60 days.

Cold Rolled Lead Times: 4-9 weeks

Galvanized Coil: SMU Base Price Range is $41.00/cwt-$42.50/cwt ($820-$850 per ton) with an average of $41.75/cwt ($835 per ton) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range remained the same compared to one week ago while the upper end decreased $10 per ton. Our overall average is down $5 per ton compared to last week. Our price momentum on galvanized steel continues to point Higher which means that prices are expected to move up over the next 30-60 days.

Galvanized .060” G90 Benchmark: SMU Range is $889-$919 per net ton with an average of $904 per ton FOB mill, east of the Rockies.

Galvanized Lead Times: 4-10 weeks

Galvalume Coil: SMU Base Price Range is $41.50/cwt-$42.00/cwt ($830-$840 per ton) with an average of $41.75/cwt ($835 per ton) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range decreased $10 per ton compared to last week while the upper end decreased $20 per ton. Our overall average is down $15 per ton compared to one week ago. Our price momentum on Galvalume steel continues to point Higher which means that prices are expected to move up over the next 30-60 days.

Galvalume .0142” AZ50, Grade 80 Benchmark: SMU Range is $1121-$1131 per net ton with an average of $1126 per ton FOB mill, east of the Rockies.

Galvalume Lead Times: 5-9 weeks

SMU Note: Below is a graphic showing our hot rolled, cold rolled, galvanized, and Galvalume price history. To use the graphs interactive capabilities, you must view it on our website here. If you need help navigating the website or need to know your login information, contact us at info@SteelMarketUpdate.com or by calling 800-432-3475.

John Packard

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