Although SSAB announced an immediate $1.50 cwt. ($33/mt or $30/nt) price increase on carbon
plate last week, following Nucor’s from earlier in the month, it’s not yet clear whether the latest attempt to push the market up will fare any better than the former. As it stands, lead times are trending out through the first part of November, but if already-anticipated increases for hot rolled coil and
US domestic scrap prices do start to materialize,
US plate mills may have a better chance of getting their increase to stick. For now, though, buyers are waiting to see what happens, leaving spot prices in the range of $44.00-$45.00 cwt. ($970-$994/mt or $880-$900/nt) ex-Midwest mill. However, sources tell SteelOrbis that inquiry and order activity has maintained a decent status quo.
In terms of imports, Brazilian
plate offers continue to be available in the approximate range of $38.00-$39.00 cwt. ($838-$869/mt or $760-$780/nt) DDP loaded truck
US Gulf coast ports, while similarly priced offers from Turkish producers are available into Savannah and Houston, although deals up to $1.00 cwt. ($22/mt or $20/nt) may be available to larger customers. Lastly, Mexican
plate mills continue to be aggressive in their offer prices, and although the official word is that this range remains at of $37.00-$38.00 cwt. ($815-$838/mt or $740-$760/nt), DDP loaded truck delivered to
US border states, deals as much as $2.00-$3.00 cwt. ($44-$66/mt or $40-$60/nt) may be available to those wanting to book significant tons.