SMU Data and Models
March 30, 2023
HRC Imports Remain Widely Attractive Over Higher US Sheet Prices
Written by David Schollaert
The appeal for imports of hot-rolled coil (HRC) remains strong even as US price gains have slowed, according to SMU’s latest foreign vs. domestic price analysis. And while we haven’t seen an official mill pricing notice in nearly three weeks, domestic tags continue to inch higher towards the targeted base price of $1,200 per ton ($60 per cwt) for HRC issued by Cleveland-Cliffs back on March 13.
The price advantage domestic HRC had enjoyed over offshore material as recently as mid-February turned negative in a hurry in response to US mill tag hikes.
