Report Period: April 15 – April 21, 2026
Analyst: Amy SteelInsights (amyinsights.com)
📌 Core Insights Snapshot (Full Version Contains 8–10 Detailed Bulletins)
- US HRC Price Momentum Continues: The CRU US Midwest HRC index reached $52.56/cwt ($1,051/st) , up 1.31% week-on-week. Nucor extended its streak to 15 consecutive weekly increases, raising base prices to $1,055/st. Spot market supply has tightened further despite higher output.
- Capacity Utilization Hits 80.0%: AISI data for the week ending April 18 shows US raw steel production at 1.848 million net tons. This marks the fifth consecutive weekly gain and the highest utilization rate since August 2024, confirming firm underlying demand.
- Logistics Costs Surge: The Baltic Dry Index (BDI) reached 2,640 points, a four-month high following a 13-day rally. Higher freight costs are adding $15–25/t to import landed costs, further insulating domestic mills from offshore competition.
- Policy Risk – USMCA & Section 232: The US is pushing for a “melted-and-poured” origin requirement in ongoing USMCA review negotiations. Combined with Section 232 full-value taxation (effective April 6), import viability for non-USMCA compliant material remains negligible.
💰 Price Snapshot (Abbreviated)
| Product | Price This Week | Trend | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Midwest HRC (CRU) | $52.56/cwt ($1,051/st) | ▲ | CRU / Mysteel |
| US Midwest HRC (Nucor Base) | $1,055/st | ▲ | Nucor Customer Letter |
| Canada HRC (Fastmarkets) | C$54.96/cwt ($795.80/st) | ⏸️ | Fastmarkets |
| CFR Houston Billet (Indicative) | $530–550/t | ⏸️ | BigMint Estimate |
💡 Sample Actionable Advice
For Procurement Managers:
✅ Secure Domestic HRC Now: With capacity utilization at 80.0% and spot availability tightening, waiting for a price pullback carries significant risk. Mill order books extend into May–June, and Nucor’s 15th consecutive price increase signals sustained upward pressure. Lock in current pricing for Q2 delivery.
For Export Sales Managers:
⚠️ Review Supply Chains for “Melt and Pour” Compliance: Section 232’s expanded traceability rules grant Customs retroactive enforcement power. Transshipment via Southeast Asia with light processing no longer provides exemption. Conduct a supply chain audit immediately to identify potential exposure before shipping to US buyers.
Unlock the Full Report to Access:
- Complete pricing tables for HRC, CRC, HDG, Rebar, and Pipe (US, Canada, Mexico)
- Detailed port congestion data (Houston, LA/LB, Montreal, Altamira)
- In-depth analysis of OCTG and Cold-Rolled AD/CVD investigations
- Exclusive USMCA negotiation progress and impact forecast
- Comprehensive Buy/Sell/Hold recommendations for 8 product categories
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📧 Questions or Custom Analysis? Contact Amy directly: amy@amyinsights.com
Disclaimer: This sample is for illustrative purposes. Full reports contain verified data from AISI, USITC, CRU, Fastmarkets, and government sources.