Steel Products Prices North America

SMU Price Ranges & Indices: Flat Rolled Up $20-30 Per Ton

Written by Brett Linton

September 8, 2020

Steel Market Update’s check of the market this week shows prices for hot rolled, cold rolled and coated steels up by $20-30 per ton as demand continues to improve, lead times extend and scrap prices rise. The benchmark price for hot rolled steel now averages $540 per ton, up $100 from the low point in the week of Aug. 11. SMU’s Price Momentum Indicator remains pointing Higher as prices are expected to continue strengthening, at least in the short term. Prices for steel plate have seen relatively little change.

Here is how we see prices this week:

Hot Rolled Coil: SMU price range is $530-$550 per net ton ($26.50-$27.50/cwt) with an average of $540 per ton ($27.00/cwt) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range increased $40 per ton compared to one week ago, while the upper end increased $10 per ton. Our overall average is up $25 per ton over last week. Our price momentum on hot rolled steel is Higher, meaning prices are expected to rise in the next 30 days.

Hot Rolled Lead Times: 4-8 weeks

Cold Rolled Coil: SMU price range is $660-$740 per net ton ($33.00-$37.00/cwt) with an average of $700 per ton ($35.00/cwt) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range remained unchanged compared to last week, while the upper end increased $40 per ton. Our overall average is up $20 per ton over one week ago. Our price momentum on cold rolled steel is Higher, meaning prices are expected to rise in the next 30 days.

Cold Rolled Lead Times: 5-8 weeks

Galvanized Coil: SMU price range is $700-$740 per net ton ($35.00-$37.00/cwt) with an average of $720 per ton ($36.00/cwt) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range increased $40 per ton compared to one week ago, while the upper end increased $20 per ton. Our overall average is up $30 per ton over last week. Our price momentum on galvanized steel is Higher, meaning prices are expected to rise in the next 30 days.

Galvanized .060” G90 Benchmark: SMU price range is $769-$809 per ton with an average of $789 per ton FOB mill, east of the Rockies.

Galvanized Lead Times: 5-8 weeks

Galvalume Coil: SMU price range is $720-$760 per net ton ($36.00-$38.00/cwt) with an average of $740 per ton ($37.00/cwt) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. Both the lower and upper ends of our range increased $20 per ton compared to last week. Our overall average is up $20 per ton from one week ago. Our price momentum on Galvalume steel is Higher, meaning prices are expected to rise in the next 30 days.

Galvalume .0142” AZ50, Grade 80 Benchmark: SMU price range is $1,011-$1,051 per ton with an average of $1,031 per ton FOB mill, east of the Rockies.

Galvalume Lead Times: 5-8 weeks

Plate: SMU price range is $590-$620 per net ton ($29.50-$31.00/cwt) with an average of $605 per ton ($30.25/cwt) FOB delivered to the customer’s facility. Both the lower and upper ends of our range are unchanged compared to one week ago. Our overall average is unchanged over last week. Our price momentum on plate steel is Neutral until the market establishes a clear direction.

Plate Lead Times: 4-6 weeks

SMU Note: Below is a graphic showing our hot rolled, cold rolled, galvanized, Galvalume and plate price history. This data is available here on our website with our interactive pricing tool. If you need help navigating the website or need to know your login information, contact us at info@SteelMarketUpdate.com.

Brett Linton

Brett Linton is a senior analyst for Steel Market Update, where he began his career. Linton has been in the steel industry since 2010. He has held roles as a category manager and strategic insights director at Reibus before returning to SMU in 2024. He is a graduate of The University of North Georgia with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Brett can be reached at brett@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-314-0179.

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