Steel prices have hit $2,400 per ton in 2026—a 34% year-over-year surge that’s crushing contractor margins on fixed-price bids. We break down what’s driving the spike, how to forecast material costs before they destroy your estimates, and the tactical strategies winning contractors are using to lock in prices and protect profitability.
June 10, 2026 2 min read
Steel Prices 2026: 34% Surge Crushes Contractor Margins
Steel prices have hit $2,400 per ton in 2026—a 34% year-over-year surge that's crushing contractor margins on fixed-price bids. We break down what's driving the spike, how to forecast material costs before they destroy your estimates, and the tactical strategies winning contractors are using to lock in prices and protect profitability.
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