Steel Products Prices North America

SMU Price Ranges & Indices: Modest Increase as HR Tops $700

Written by Brett Linton

November 10, 2020

Flat rolled steel prices continued to rise last week, though at a modest $5-10 per ton pace. The exception was Galvalume, which jumped by $40 as demand continues to outpace supplies. The benchmark average for hot rolled coil, at $710 per ton, surpassed the $700 level, where many had expected it to peak. With demand and scrap prices defying the usual seasonal downturn, Steel Market Update’s Price Momentum Indicator continues to point toward higher finished steel prices this year. 

Here is how we see prices this week:

Hot Rolled Coil: SMU price range is $680-$740 per net ton ($34.00-$37.00/cwt) with an average of $710 per ton ($35.50/cwt) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range remained unchanged compared to one week ago, while the upper end increased $20 per ton. Our overall average is up $10 from 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: 5-9 weeks

Cold Rolled Coil: SMU price range is $850-$910 per net ton ($42.50-$45.50/cwt) with an average of $880 per ton ($44.00/cwt) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range was unchanged compared to last week, while the upper end increased $10 per ton. Our overall average is up $5 from 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: 6-12 weeks

Galvanized Coil: SMU price range is $870-$920 per net ton ($43.50-$46.00/cwt) with an average of $895 per ton ($44.75/cwt) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range increased $20 per ton compared to one week ago, while the upper end was unchanged. Our overall average is up $10 from 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 $939-$989 per ton with an average of $964 per ton FOB mill, east of the Rockies.

Galvanized Lead Times: 7-12 weeks

Galvalume Coil: SMU price range is $920-$960 per net ton ($46.00-$48.00/cwt) with an average of $940 per ton ($47.00/cwt) FOB mill, east of the Rockies. Both the lower and upper ends of our range increased $40 per ton compared to last week. Our overall average is up $40 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 $1,211-$1,251 per ton with an average of $1,231 per ton FOB mill, east of the Rockies.

Galvalume Lead Times: 8-12 weeks

Plate: SMU price range is $640-$690 per net ton ($32.00-$34.50/cwt) with an average of $665 per ton ($33.25/cwt) FOB delivered to the customer’s facility. The lower end of our range remained unchanged compared to one week ago, while the upper end decreased $10 per ton. Our overall average is down $5 from last week. Our price momentum on plate steel is Higher, meaning prices are expected to rise in the next 30 days.

Plate Lead Times: 5-8 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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