The domestic market for wide flange
beams is still very strong because of robust demand and tight supplies.
The high demand for wide flange
beams is largely due to the recent growth in residential
construction, particularly suburban expansion, which has created the need for more schools, shopping centers, and surrounding infrastructure.
Domestic supplies are limited, and lead times are at around six to seven weeks. This strong demand / limited supply situation has driven up domestic prices, -- market leader
Nucor last week increased transaction prices for wide flange
beams by $20 /nt ($22 /mt or $1.00 cwt.). Starting May 1, domestic prices for wide flange
beams will range from $31.75 cwt. to $32.00 cwt. ($635 /mt to $640 /mt or $700 /nt to $705 /nt).
Beams shortages in the US are inviting more imports in from countries like
Taiwan,
China, and
Korea.
Beams imports are not that common, but they are more prevalent than they were six months ago. Import prices currently range from around $28.50 cwt. to $30.00 cwt. ($628 /mt to $661 /mt or $570 /nt to $600 /nt).