Stabilizing

The metals market has entered a more balanced phase heading into summer. Rather than seeing continued rapid increases, steel prices have begun leveling off—but at significantly higher levels than where the year began.

Carbon Steel

Hot Rolled Coil continues trading around the $1,100 per ton range, with plate averaging approximately $1,200 per ton. Most fabricated products continue reflecting these higher costs, including:

• Steel plate

• Structural tubing

• Pipe

• Sheet

• Flat bar

Scrap pricing has also increased during June, helping maintain current mill pricing.

Structural Steel

Demand from infrastructure and commercial construction continues supporting structural products. Fabrication shops remain busy, although lead times have become more predictable.

Stainless Steel

Monthly alloy surcharges remain elevated due to nickel pricing. Customers purchasing stainless should continue expecting monthly fluctuations.

Aluminum

Aluminum continues experiencing greater volatility than steel. Global supply concerns have eased slightly, but pricing remains well above long-term averages.

Looking Ahead

Steel futures currently suggest pricing may remain relatively flat through late summer before gradually softening later in the year. Although markets appear more balanced than earlier this year, prices remain historically strong.

[OUR RECOMMENDATION] Continue budgeting projects based on today's pricing rather than expecting significant decreases in the near future.