Nucor Corporation, the largest steel producer in the US, raised its hot-rolled coil (HRC) consumer spot price by US$5 per short ton this week, setting the base at US$970.

Its California Steel Industries (CSI) unit also implemented a US$5 increase, reaching US$1,020 per short ton. These adjustments represent a total rise of US$20 per short ton over the past three weeks, with delivery lead times holding at three to five weeks.

The price action coincides with a 3.7% drop in global steel output for December 2025, led by double-digit declines in China. In addition, US carbon and coated steel imports have reached multi-year lows. This combination of slowing international production and reduced domestic import pressure provides a firm backdrop for rising American steel prices.