Nucor Price Increase Announcement (June 16, 2025)
On June 16, 2025, Nucor Corporation announced a new base price for hot-rolled coil (HRC) steel: $900 per short ton, effective immediately for all producing mills except California Steel Industries (CSI), where the price remains at $960 per ton. This represents a $10/ton price increase from the previous week’s $890/ton, and reflects a strategic response to ongoing market volatility and the recent imposition of 50% tariffs on imported steel.
“Effective immediately, the CSP HRC base price for the week of June 16th will be $900/ton for all producing mills, except CSI, where our CSP HRC base price will be $960/ton.”
— Nucor Customer Letter, June 16, 2025This move signals Nucor’s confidence in the market’s ability to absorb higher prices, and underscores the influence of new trade policies on domestic steel pricing.
Nucor CSP HRC Base Price Table (December 2024 – June 16, 2025)
Below is the complete weekly price history, showing the latest $10/ton increase:
| Week of | CSP HRC Base Price (All Mills) | Change from Previous Week |
|---|---|---|
| 6/16/2025 | $900 | +$10 |
| 6/9/2025 | $890 | +$20 |
| 6/2/2025 | $870 | $0 |
| 5/27/2025 | $870 | -$20 |
| 5/20/2025 | $890 | $0 |
| 5/13/2025 | $890 | -$20 |
| 5/6/2025 | $910 | -$20 |
| 4/29/2025 | $930 | $0 |
| 4/22/2025 | $930 | $0 |
| 4/15/2025 | $930 | $0 |
| 4/8/2025 | $930 | $0 |
| 4/1/2025 | $930 | +$20 |
| 3/25/2025 | $910 | +$20 |
| 3/18/2025 | $890 | +$20 |
| 3/11/2025 | $870 | +$20 |
| 3/4/2025 | $850 | +$20 |
| 2/26/2025 | $830 | +$20 |
| 2/19/2025 | $810 | +$20 |
| 2/12/2025 | $790 | +$20 |
| 2/5/2025 | $770 | +$20 |
| 1/29/2025 | $750 | +$20 |
| 1/22/2025 | $730 | +$20 |
| 1/15/2025 | $710 | +$20 |
| 1/8/2025 | $690 | +$20 |
| 1/2/2025 | $670 | +$20 |
| 12/26/2024 | $650 | +$20 |
| 12/19/2024 | $630 | +$20 |
| 12/12/2024 | $610 | +$20 |
| 12/5/2024 | $590 | +$20 |
Key Drivers of the Price Increase
1. Tariffs Reshape the Steel Market
The U.S. government’s recent move to double Section 232 tariffs from 25% to 50% on steel imports (effective June 4, 2025) has sharply reduced foreign competition. With imports now less attractive due to higher costs, domestic producers like Nucor have more room to adjust prices upward. This week’s $10/ton increase is the latest example of how tariffs are supporting domestic price resilience.
2. Gradual Price Recovery
After a period of price declines in May, Nucor has now raised prices for two consecutive weeks—first by $20/ton last week, and now by $10/ton. This signals a shift in market sentiment, with mills capitalizing on improved order books and tighter supply following inventory adjustments by service centers and end users.
3. Operational Stability
Nucor’s ability to maintain steady lead times (typically 3-5 weeks for spot orders) and consistent weekly price updates through its Consumer Spot Price (CSP) system has helped reinforce its role as a price leader. The company’s operational efficiency and vertical integration (including scrap recycling and EAF production) allow it to respond quickly to market shifts. Domestic steel production increased last week now up 7 of the last 8 weeks. US Mills produced 1.785 million tons at a 79.5% capacity utilization rate, which is the highest weekly rate since June 2022. Production rose in 4 of the 5 US regions; the largest coming from the Midwest sector.
Market Impact of the Price Increase
Construction
- Infrastructure: The $10/ton increase, while modest, adds up across large projects. Contractors and fabricators are now recalculating bids and budgets for bridges, roads, and public works.
- Commercial Real Estate: Developers are monitoring steel price trends closely, as material costs now account for a larger share of project expenses.
Automotive
- Manufacturers: Automakers and suppliers are factoring in higher steel costs, with each increase.
- EV Sector: Electric vehicle producers, already facing tight margins, must now adjust pricing or absorb costs. The potential removal of tax credits in current budget legislation could create further pressure on this segment.
Manufacturing & Equipment
- Machinery: Equipment makers are reviewing contracts and inventory strategies, seeking to lock in prices before further increases.
- Energy: Wind and solar infrastructure projects, which are steel-intensive, will see cost increases, impacting project economics. The tariffs on steel combined with pricing and availability of rare earth minerals will no doubt effect this sector.
The Role of Tariffs in Nucor’s Strategy
The 50% tariffs have allowed Nucor to:
- Stabilize Prices: By limiting imports, tariffs have created a price floor, supporting domestic mill margins.
- Plan Capacity: With less threat from foreign steel, Nucor can invest in new capacity and technology, such as its new sheet mill in West Virginia.
- Lead the Market: Nucor’s CSP system ensures transparency and quick response to market changes, enabling it to set the pace for competitors.
Conclusion: Navigating the New Steel Pricing Landscape
Nucor’s June 16, 2025, price increase marks a pivotal moment in the evolving U.S. steel market. The $10/ton hike, though incremental, signals renewed pricing power for domestic mills in the wake of 50% tariffs on imports. This environment allows Nucor to stabilize and gradually increase prices, supporting investment and operational stability.
Key Takeaways:
- Tariffs are Working: The 50% import duty has reduced foreign competition, giving domestic producers more control over pricing.
- Market is Stabilizing: After a period of declines, prices are now recovering, with Nucor leading the way.
- Customers Must Adapt: End users in construction, automotive, and manufacturing must factor higher steel costs into budgets and planning.
As the market adjusts to this new reality, Nucor’s pricing decisions will continue to set the tone for the industry. Buyers should expect continued price discipline, with further increases possible if demand remains strong and imports stay limited.
Check out some of our other articles:
- US Commerce Department Expands Steel and Aluminum Tariffs to Over 400 Products
- Nucor Continues Pricing Cuts
- World Steel Pricing vs. U.S. Domestic Steel Pricing: Market Dynamics in the Era of 50% Tariffs
- Brazil Pig Iron: Understanding the Global Impact of Trump’s Trade Policy Reversal
- Nucor Cuts Prices Again for Second Straight Week
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