After the announcement of the reciprocal tariffs, the price of hot-rolled coil (HRC) in the US market remained stable, although the market trading was sluggish. Market participants believe that actual demand for HRC still depends on the automotive industry, as President Trump’s new policy will impose a 25% tariff on imported cars.
The domestic automotive industry will develop positively, driving the steel demand. However, local distributors said that current stocks are sufficient, and they are conservative about price trend.
Because the import tariff against steel and aluminum remains at 25%, and steel and aluminum articles are not subject to the reciprocal tariff, price increases in the future may lack support.