US sheet metal buyers see price points

Despite the fact that steel sheet prices in the US are gradually strengthening, market sources say there is still a supply of inexpensive hot rolled products.

Some of the producers raised prices for hot rolled steel on Monday to $ 730-750 per tonne, while cold rolled steel rose to $ 840-860 per tonne. All prices are from the factory, domestic factory.

However, a West Coast buyer claims that $ 700 hot rolled products are still available in their market. The Midwestern buyer also pegs the local price at $ 690-720 per st.

A Midwestern buyer adds that strong demand for cold rolled and galvanized products may soon spur another price increase, which will also stimulate hot rolled products.

“There are a lot of rumors about upcoming growth,” he says. "Prices for cold rolled steel and electroplated coatings are extremely strong, but hot rolled steel is just average."