SMU Data and Models
November 8, 2018
Steel Mill Negotiations: No Sign of FR Price Hike
Written by Tim Triplett
Most buyers tell Steel Market Update that flat rolled mills are open to price negotiations on hot rolled, cold rolled and coated steel products. The notable exception is plate. Two out of three respondents to SMU’s latest market trends questionnaire report that plate mills will not compromise on price, while one-third have found some wiggle room in plate price negotiations.
Steel Market Update tracks how buyers and sellers of flat rolled steel characterize price negotiations with the mills. In the hot rolled category, 78 percent of buyers said they have found mills willing to talk price, up from 68 percent in mid-October. Only about 22 percent say the mills are now holding the line on HR.
