- Global hot rolled steel moved mixed in Q2’26, with some markets weakening on slow demand while others strengthened on tight spot supply.
- Supply pressure was uneven, as overall crude steel output dipped slightly, with variations in regional production trends.
- Downstream buying remained cautious in several markets, while mills in stronger regions benefited from autos, construction, limited imports, maintenance, and longer delivery lead times.
In the United States, the prices of Hot Rolled Steel were ~USD 1,175.00/MT and ~USD 1,209.10/MT, respectively, in the first two months of Q2’26. The increase was supported by limited mill spot availability, seasonal maintenance, and delivery lead times moving into July and August. U.S. trade protection also strengthened domestic pricing, as tariff measures included 50% duties on metal products and 25% on several derivative products, keeping imported supply costly. North American crude steel output rose 15.6% year-on-year in May to 10.1 million tons, showing stronger mill activity but not enough to weaken prices because trade measures and supply discipline supported sentiment. In Germany, Hot Rolled Steel prices fell from ~EUR 0.59/kg in April to ~EUR 0.58/kg in May, showing a ~1.3% decrease. European prices softened due to weak buyer activity, high distributor stocks, lower processed coil prices, and slower automotive and industrial demand. EU crude steel output was 11.4 million tons in May, down 0.4% year-on-year, while buyers continued drawing down inventories instead of placing larger spot orders.