Nucor and SSAB Americas to Raise Flat Steel Prices

US steel producer Nucor announced a $5/short ton increase in its spot consumer price (CSP) for hot-rolled coil, up from last week. The company announced this in a letter to customers on April 6.

The new price is $1040/short ton. Nucor's West Coast joint venture, California Steel Industries (CSI), also raised its spot consumer price by $15 to $1090/short ton.

Delivery times for all spot orders remain 3-5 weeks.

Nuccor has raised prices for 12 consecutive weeks. The company's hot-rolled steel price for early 2026 is $950 per ton.

As SMU points out, this slow but steady price increase strategy differs from previous years. In the past, steel producers, including Nucor, would announce significant price increases—$100 or more per short ton—when market conditions were favorable.

In addition, two major U.S. flat steel producers—SSAB Americas and Nucor—also announced plans to raise flat steel prices.

SSAB Americas sent a letter to customers on April 6th. This price increase will apply to all new spot orders with confirmed delivery dates on or after May 31st. The announcement also noted the addition of surcharges, including regional freight surcharges.

Nuccor also announced plans to raise flat steel prices by at least $60 per short ton. Furthermore, starting May 1st, the company will impose a fuel surcharge (FSC) on all shipments. The steel producer stated that this move is a necessary measure to offset rising fuel and logistics costs.

It should be noted that in March 2026, global hot-rolled coil prices rose 1% to 6% month-on-month in most major regions. By the end of the first quarter, the market showed clear signs of recovery: current quotes are 3% to 15% higher than levels at the end of 2025. Meanwhile, the Chinese market remains weak. In the US market, the upward price trend may continue in the short term, but market growth may slow if buyers react more cautiously to a new round of price increases.