Nucor Continues Hot-Rolled Coil Price Surge
Nucor has increased hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices for the eighth consecutive week. The latest hike adds $10/t, bringing the price to $940 per short ton. This marks the highest HRC price in the U.S. for 2025. California Steel Industries (CSI), Nucor’s West Coast joint venture, also raised its HRC offers to $990/t, up $10/t from last week. These continuous increases reflect supply constraints and stable demand across domestic markets.
Weekly delivery times remain at three to five weeks. Total price growth over the eight-week period reached $65/t for Nucor and $55/t for CSI. Market participants cite strong regional demand and limited inventories as the main drivers behind sustained price increases.
Global Trends Affect U.S. HRC Pricing
The U.S. HRC market mirrors broader global trends. European and American prices grew in November due to tighter supply and steady demand, while Chinese HRC prices declined under seasonal pressures. U.S. suppliers posted offers between $900-915/t last week, compared to $880-910/t previously. Kallanish and SMU data indicate consistent domestic pricing, supporting Nucor’s continued increases. Analysts expect these trends to persist through late December amid constrained supply and logistical challenges.
SuperMetalPrice Commentary:
Nucor’s persistent price hikes highlight a tight U.S. HRC market heading into 2026. Rising domestic costs could affect downstream steel users, including construction and automotive sectors. Meanwhile, global competition, especially from Chinese exports, may influence future pricing strategies. Market watchers should monitor delivery times, inventory levels, and potential policy interventions to anticipate next-year price movements.
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