Iron ore prices recently regained strength, and Nucor Corporation, the largest steel producer in the US, has raised its hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices for the ninth week straight.

Starting on December 22, 2025, the steelmaker set its Consumer Spot Price (CSP) at US$950 per short ton. Its California Steel Industries (CSI) joint venture’s prices even hit US$1,000 per short ton.

This consistent upward trend has added US$90 per ton to HRC costs since late October, driven by tightening supply and demand shifts. Delivery lead times remain at three to five weeks. These new figures represent the most expensive levels reached since May this year.