Steel Products Prices North America

May 2, 2014
Imports & Price Spread = Price Volatility
Written by John Packard
Based on revised domestic and world export pricing on hot rolled coil (SteelBenchmarker), the price spread between the two continues to grow. As you can see by the graphic shown below, the spread has been widening ever since domestic steel production issues began impacting flat rolled steel pricing in the U.S. and Canada. The spread is now $173 per net ton prior to freight, handling and steel trading company profit considerations.
Using $70 per ton as an average to accommodate freight, handling, insurance and something for the trading company the hot rolled spread is $103 per ton which is more than enough to entice virtually any Hot Rolled Coil (HRC) buyer within reasonable distance from a port.


