Steel Products Prices North America

SMU Price Ranges & Indices: Bottom of Range Moves Up

October 31, 2017

We have been watching the market very carefully looking for signs of a complete change in momentum, which would spur prices to move higher over time. We are finding hot rolled and cold rolled prices strengthening at the lower end of the range, and there have been some adjustments to coated products on a weekly basis. But, SMU is not yet convinced momentum has turned completely in favor of the domestic mills on all products. We will discuss this further in Thursday evening’s edition of our newsletter as we report on lead times and negotiations.

Here is how we see prices this week:

Hot Rolled Coil: SMU price range is $590-$620 per ton ($29.50/cwt-$31.00/cwt) with an average of $605 per ton ($30.25/cwt) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range rose $30 per ton compared to one week ago, while the upper end increased $20 per ton. Our overall average is up $25 per ton compared to last week. Our price momentum on hot rolled steel is pointing to Neutral indicating prices are expected to remain steady over the next 30 days.

Hot Rolled Lead Times: 3-6 weeks

Cold Rolled Coil: SMU price range is $760-$800 per ton ($38.00/cwt-$40.00/cwt) with an average of $780 per ton ($39.00/cwt) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range jumped up $50 per ton compared to last week, while the upper end remained the same. Our overall average is up $25 per ton compared to one week ago. Our price momentum on cold rolled steel is pointing to Neutral indicating prices are expected to remain steady over the next 30 days.

Cold Rolled Lead Times: 4-8 weeks

Galvanized Coil: SMU base price range is $37.00/cwt-$40.00/cwt ($740-$800 per ton) with an average of $38.50/cwt ($770 per ton) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range rose $10 per ton compared to one week ago, while the upper end remained the same. Our overall average is up $5 per ton compared to last week. Our price momentum on galvanized steel is pointing to Neutral indicating prices are expected to remain steady over the next 30 days.

Galvanized .060” G90 Benchmark: SMU price range is $818-$878 per net ton with an average of $848 per ton FOB mill, east of the Rockies. A note to our readers who also review other galvanized indexes: Right now, not all indexes are using the same G90 zinc coating extra on benchmark .060″ material. SMU uses $78 per ton, while at least one other index is using $86 per ton, which reflects the price change made by NLMK USA. SMU has not yet made a change as we wait for U.S. Steel, ArcelorMittal USA and Nucor to make adjustments to their extras.

Galvanized Lead Times: 4-11 weeks

Galvalume Coil: SMU base price range is $38.00/cwt-$41.00/cwt ($760-$820 per ton) with an average of $39.50/cwt ($790 per ton) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range remained the same compared to last week, while the upper end rose $20 per ton. Our overall average is up $10 per ton compared to one week ago. Our price momentum on Galvalume steel is pointing to Neutral indicating prices are expected to remain steady over the next 30 days.

Galvalume .0142” AZ50, Grade 80 Benchmark: SMU price range is $1,051-$1,111 per net ton with an average of $1,081 per ton FOB mill, east of the Rockies.

Galvalume Lead Times: 5-8 weeks

Plate: SMU price range is $600-$660 per ton ($30.00/cwt-$33.00/cwt) with an average of $630 per ton ($31.50/cwt) FOB delivered. Both the lower and upper ends of our range declined $20 per ton compared to one week ago. Our overall average is down $20 per ton compared to last week. Our price momentum on plate steel is pointing to Neutral indicating prices are expected to remain steady over the next 30 days.

Plate Lead Times: 3-5 weeks

SMU Note: Below is a graphic showing our hot rolled, cold rolled, galvanized, Galvalume, and plate price history. To use the graph’s 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 800-432-3475.