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| Nucor Corporation |
Nucor recently resumed its upward momentum for hot-rolled coil (HRC) pricing. The American steel giant announced a $5 per short tonne increase, bringing its new bid price to $1,135 per short tonne. This strategic move follows a brief three-week stabilization period after months of consistent price hikes.
Market Dynamics and Supply Constraints
Domestic market participants anticipate stable pricing through the end of the year. Steel mills currently lack significant spare capacity to fulfill additional spot orders efficiently. Furthermore, the annual summer slump has failed to trigger a sharp decline in demand. Consequently, most steelmakers forecast only a moderate seasonal slowdown during this period.
Global Trends in Flat Steel
Meanwhile, international steel producers align with these market conditions. China’s Baosteel is also raising prices for hot-rolled steel ahead of August sales. This adjustment reflects broad expectations for future demand improvements, despite currently low processing sector activity. Therefore, the global flat steel market remains cautiously optimistic despite lingering weather-related challenges.
ScrapInsight Commentary
Nucor’s price hike confirms that US steelmakers maintain pricing power despite seasonal fluctuations. We expect prices to remain firm as limited mill capacity prevents significant supply surpluses, supporting a bullish outlook for flat steel throughout late 2026.
