Steel Prices Hold Near $800/ton as Trade Uncertainty and Overcapacity Persist
In October 2025, U.S. hot‑rolled coil (HRC) prices stabilized around $800‑$815 per short ton, a modest weekly gain but still below summer highs. Trade policy uncertainty, tariff‑driven price differentials, and global overcapacity keep demand weak, while capacity utilization hovers just below 80%. Futures suggest only a slight uptick toward year‑end.
In October 2025, U.S. hot‑rolled coil (HRC) prices stabilized around $800‑$815 per short ton, a modest weekly gain but still below summer highs. Trade policy uncertainty, tariff‑driven price differentials, and global overcapacity keep demand weak, while capacity utilization hovers just below 80%. Futures suggest only a slight uptick toward year‑end.
Steel prices are likely to remain flat or see marginal gains in the short term, but persistent overcapacity and trade‑policy headwinds could keep demand subdued, potentially leading to further price pressure if utilization stays below 80%.