US HR prices jump higher above imported tags

Domestic hot-rolled (HR) coil prices moved higher this week, widely outpacing increases seen in offshore markets. The result: US hot band prices are vastly more expensive than imports on a landed basis. The premium stateside tags have over prices abroad now stands at a 15-month high.

SMU’s average domestic HR price this week was $925 per short ton (st), up $45/st vs. the week before and up nearly $250/st since late January. Mills remain emboldened to move prices higher, supported by threats of tariffs on imports of steel. US hot band prices are at their highest point since February 2024.

David Schollaert

David Schollaert is deputy editor-in-chief 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. He can be contacted at david@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-720-1008.

David Schollaert

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