Nucor raises prices for galvanized steel amid growing demand

US manufacturer raises base rates for galvanized products, citing higher costs and reduced imports

American steel company Nucor announced a price increase for galvanized steel products starting December 10. The manufacturer raised the minimum base price for galvanized products to $1,050 per short ton. For its subsidiary California Steel Industries (CSI), the base rate was raised to $1,100/ton.

Nucor noted that the company reserves the right to review and reissue price quotes that have not yet been confirmed. In a letter to customers, the manufacturer highlighted a combination of several key factors that have created the conditions for price increases, including low inventory levels and expected strengthening of demand in 2026.

In addition, the company stressed that the domestic market is under pressure due to rising production costs and a reduction in cheap imports, which were previously carried out under dumping schemes. According to the manufacturer, these factors make it necessary to raise minimum prices to ensure market stability.

According to SMU, spot prices for galvanized steel as of December 9 ranged from $970 to $1,100/t, averaging $1,035/t. The SMU index rose by $5 over the week and added $90 over the past four weeks, confirming the upward trend in the market.

As a reminder, Nucor continues its series of price increases for hot-rolled coil. For the week of December 8-14, offers rose by $10/t or 1.1% compared to the previous week, to $930 per short ton, which is the highest value since the beginning of May this year. Thus, prices have been rising for 7-1 weeks in a row.