American steel producer Nucor has continued to raise prices for hot-rolled coil (HRC), bringing the spot base offer (CSI) to $980 per short ton (st), which is $5 more than the previous week. This is stated in a message to customers.
Since the beginning of the year, the total price increase has been $30/t.
Lead times for HRC orders remain at 3-5 weeks. Meanwhile, at California Steel Industries, Nucor’s western division, the price reached $1,030 per short ton (+$5) after a similar weekly increase.
According to SMU estimates, the average price of HRC is currently $975 per short ton, which is $10 higher than the previous week.
At the same time, SSAB Americas initiated an increase in the heavy plate market, planning to raise prices by at least $60 per short ton for new orders with shipment dates from March 29. The company reserves the right to review open offers that have not been confirmed by orders.
Oregon Steel Mills also announced a $60 per short ton increase, effective immediately. According to SMU, the average price of thick plate is currently $1,055 per short ton and has not changed over the week.
As reported by GMK Center, global HRC prices rose in most key regions in January 2026. The largest market upturn was recorded in the EU and the US, while China saw only a slight increase in prices after a weak November-December. In North America, product prices rose by 2.4% in January (compared to the end of December) to $1,055.5/t ex-works. Prices in the region were at their highest level since April 2025.
