Domestic Hot-rolled Coil steel prices were $685 per ton through February 13. This was $37.38 a ton lower (-5.2%) month-over-month and $70/ton lower (-9.3%) year-over-year.
Futures suggest that prices will inflate slightly into the $700-$710 range by Q2, largely on traditional seasonal movements in prices. Tariff negotiations between Chinese and US administrations would have an impact on futures depending on the outcome, the biggest of which would be a positive trade deal outcome that improves demand for steel products.