📰🎧 ▶️ In This Episode
We break down Nucor Corporation's January 20, 2026 decision to raise hot-rolled coil prices to $960/ton, examining the supply-side factors driving the increase including an 18-month high in coking coal caused by Australian floods, scrap metal surges, and iron ore resilience. We analyze how tariff protections in the U.S. eliminate import competition and extend lead times, supporting price discipline. But we also unpack the demand-side uncertainty: why data center construction remains the bright spot while automotive production, traditional construction, and agricultural sectors show weakness. We ask tough questions about the sustainability of current pricing if broad-based demand growth fails to materialize by mid-Q1. Whether you're a supply chain manager evaluating forward purchasing strategies, a producer managing inventory decisions, or an investor positioning for steel market exposure, this episode provides actionable frameworks for understanding where prices…
