Nucor's HRC price rose to $965/t, while the market is seeing a gradual recovery in demand and prices.

American steel company Nucor has raised its weekly spot price (CSP) for hot-rolled coil (HRC) for the second time in a row, indicating stronger price sentiment in the US domestic market. This is stated in the company’s official announcement.

Starting Monday, January 26, 2025, the spot price for end users rose by $5 per short ton to $965/ton.

Thus, Nucor recorded its first consecutive two-week price increase since the beginning of the year. At the same time, the company notes that order fulfillment times remain stable at 3-5 weeks, indicating no significant production constraints, but at the same time a gradual recovery in demand.

Separately, Nucor announced price increases at its joint venture on the US West Coast, California Steel Industries (CSI). CSI’s spot price for HRC also rose by $5 per week and currently stands at $1,015 per short ton, which is significantly higher than the national average.

According to Kallanish’s assessment as of January 22, the spot price range for hot-rolled coil in the US fluctuates between $940 and $955/t. Thus, Nucor’s offer is at the top of the market, which may signal the manufacturer’s desire to set a new price benchmark.

It should be noted that during November-December 2025, Nucor raised its hot-rolled coil prices by $75/t. The series of increases lasted for nine consecutive weeks.

Overall, the global hot-rolled coil market was under pressure in 2025. Despite an upward trend at the end of the year, average annual prices for products fell by 5–12%. The exception is the US, where the indicator rose by an average of 11.1% over the year.