Steel Prices

SMU price ranges: Sheet and plate mixed, HRC down $20/t

Written by David Schollaert

April 23, 2024

Sheet prices were mixed again this week – highlighting a momentum shift we’ve observed in recent weeks. While hot-rolled (HR) coil, cold-rolled (CR) coil, and Galvalume were down slightly, galvanized and plate held steady.

SMU’s average HR coil price was down $20 per short ton (st) from last week, averaging $815/st. SMU’s CR price is at $1,130/st on average (down $10/st w/w). Our galvanized base price is at $1,130/st on average (flat w/w). And our Galvalume price now stands at $1,110/st on average (down $20/st w/w)

The main theme across the flat rolled market this week was buyers only filling holes where needed. Forward buying in March and steady demand have resulted in a quiet spot market – especially with lead times stretching toward summer, sources told SMU.

Plate prices were flat w/w at $1,225/st, though sources continue to note that sellers are still undercutting published mill prices as they compete for spot business.

SMU’s sheet price momentum indicators remain at neutral. Our plate price momentum indicator has shifted from lower to neutral.

Hot-rolled coil

The SMU price range is $785-845/st, with an average of $815/st FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range was $25/st lower, while the top end was down $15/st w/w. Our overall average is down $20.st compared to last week. Our price momentum indicator for HR remains at neutral, meaning we see no clear direction for prices over the next 30 days.

Hot rolled lead times range from 3-9 weeks, averaging 5.30 weeks as of our April 10 market survey. Lead times data will be updated on Thursday, April 25.

Cold-rolled coil

The SMU price range is $1,100–1,160/st, with an average of $1,130/st FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range was $10/st higher w/w, while the top end decreased $30/st. Our overall average is down $10/st from the previous week. Our price momentum indicator for CR remains at neutral, meaning we see no clear direction for prices over the next 30 days.

Cold rolled lead times range from 6-12 weeks, averaging 7.47 weeks through our latest survey.

Galvanized coil

The SMU price range is $1,100–1,160/st, with an average of $1,130/st FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end and the top end of our range were flat vs. last week. Our overall average, as a result, is unchanged w/w. Our price momentum indicator for galvanized remains at neutral, meaning we see no clear direction for prices over the next 30 days.

Galvanized .060” G90 benchmark: SMU price range is $1,197–1,257/st with an average of $1,227/st FOB mill, east of the Rockies.

Galvanized lead times range from 6-11 weeks, averaging 7.33 weeks through our latest survey.

Galvalume coil

The SMU price range is $1,080–1,140/st, with an average of $1,110/st FOB mill, east of the Rockies. The lower end of our range ticked down $20/st w/w, while the top end decreased $20/st. Our overall average is down $20/st compared to the previous week. Our price momentum indicator for Galvalume remains at neutral, meaning we see no clear direction for prices over the next 30 days.

Galvalume .0142” AZ50, grade 80 benchmark: SMU price range is $1,374–1,434/st with an average of $1,404/st FOB mill, east of the Rockies.

Galvalume lead times range from 6-12 weeks, averaging 7.60 weeks through our latest survey.

Plate

The SMU price range is $1,160–1,290/st, with an average of $1,225/st FOB mill. The lower end and the top end of our range were flat w/w. Our overall average is unchanged compared to last week. Our price momentum indicator for plate is at neutral, meaning we see no clear direction for prices over the next 30 days.

Plate lead times range from 4-7 weeks, averaging 5.92 weeks through our latest survey.

SMU note: Above is a graphic showing our hot rolled, cold rolled, galvanized, Galvalume, and plate price history. This data is also 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.

David Schollaert

David Schollaert is a senior analyst for Steel Market Update. David joined SMU after more than a decade in the metals and mining industry in a myriad of different roles. Much of his early experience and expertise were within the coverage and analysis of steel-making raw materials and served previously as senior editor of the CRU Prices Service. Most recently, however, before his return to market analysis, David held roles as a metals buyer and an operations manager for raw material suppliers. Based in CRU’s Pittsburgh office, David can be reached at david@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-720-1008.

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