Hot-rolled coil
We understand how important hot-rolled coil, or HRC, is to the steel industry. That’s why we provide a wide range of detailed coverage for this material, from prices and price forecasts through to the latest news or long-term analysis of supply and demand.
Our customers from across the whole value chain use our insights every day to do business effectively. In recognition of this, we are pleased to say that our daily US Midwest HRC Index has been selected by the Nasdaq Futures Exchange to underpin its HRC futures contract.
Whether you produce, consume or trade HRC, you can rely on our market information to help ensure you make informed decisions for your business.
Latest insight
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Impact of section 232 tariffs felt globally
The Section 232 tariffs implemented in the United States in 2018 led to a sharp increase in domestic steel prices, driving the hot-rolled coil index to a nearly 10-year peak in July. But how did the tariffs impact the rest of the global supply chain?
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Fastmarkets AMM steel price selected as benchmark for new NFX futures contract
Fastmarkets AMM’s daily US Midwest hot-rolled coil (HRC) price index will be used as the benchmark to settle a new HRC steel derivatives contract to be launched on the Nasdaq Futures Exchange (NFX).
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Ferrous hedging: Overcoming the obstacles
Although in theory hedging is a relatively straightforward concept, the management and execution of a derivatives strategy can be overwhelming for many companies at first. Here, we look at how to overcome these challenges.
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What we do
Pricing data
We provide a range of prices for the steel industry, including a daily US Midwest HRC Index.
Explore our steel flat product prices here.
Our price assessment process
Our prices are assessed based on a strict methodology aligned with core IOSCO principles.
Access our methodology and price specifications for US Midwest HRC Index here and for our other steel prices here.
Forecasting & analysis
Our HRC forecasts and market analysis help businesses plan ahead.
North American Steel Market Tracker
Industry data
Our industry data gives you the insight you need to dig deeper
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What is HRC?
HRC, or hot-rolled coil, is the predominant finished steel form in the domestic and global steel industry and is the basis for many steel-based industrial products. Significant liquidity in the HRC market along with its importance as a raw material for manufacturers makes this a critical material with consistent volatility in its physical markets.
HRC is mostly used in industrial fabrication as well as in large end markets like automotive and construction. It also is used as a substrate in welded steel tube and pipe production and heavy industrial equipment in the agricultural industry. Participants active in the physical spot market for HRC includes steel mills, service centers, fabricators, and end users such as pipe mills or automotive companies.
Market participants use our HRC prices as escalators or de-escalators in their contracts, as benchmarks for physical and financial contracts, internal sales/purchasing performance evaluations, inventory appraisals and market trend analysis and forecasting. HRC prices also are generally used as an indicator of the health of a steel industry as it is the most commonly produced steel item, and so is often tracked by analysts and financial institutions.