While some import hot dipped galvanized (HDG) prices are on the rise along with US domestic spot prices, interest from customers remains tepid. Trader sources explained that while the "usual" import customers are placing offshore orders--especially as lead times are in late Q1/early Q2--convincing most to take the plunge remains difficult. Niche items such as HDG 0.012"x40.875" G30 out of India at $40.50-$41.50 cwt. ($893-$915/mt or $810-$830/nt) DDP loaded truck in US Gulf ports are garnering decent sales given a major differential compared to US domestic prices.
Additionally, traders have placed orders with Korean mills for Galvalume 0.019x41.5625 Gr80/AZ55 at $42.00-$43.00 cwt. ($926-$948/mt or $840-$860/nt) DDP loaded truck in US Gulf ports in the absence of Taiwanese offers. But once Taiwanese mills offer March production to the US, activity with Korea may slow down. As for Mexico, offer prices are changing regularly, according to sources, and while Mexican mills are aiming to push up prices in lieu of rising US domestic spots, for the right order, deals can still be made.
| Cwt. | Metric ton (mt) | Net ton (nt) | Change from last week | |
| Import HDG offers to the US | ||||
| 0.012"x40.875" G30 | ||||
| Mexico** | $41-$42 | $904-$926 | $820-$840 | neutral |
| China* | $40.50-$41.50 | $893-$915 | $810-$830 | neutral |
| India* | $40.50-$41.50 | $893-$915 | $810-$830 | neutral |
| 0.019" x 48" G90 | ||||
| China* | $44.50-$45.50 | $981-$1,003 | $890-$910 | neutral |
| India* | $41-$42 | $904-$926 | $820-$840 | neutral |
| Import Galvalume offers to the US | ||||
| 0.019x41.5625 Gr80/AZ55 | ||||
| Mexico** | $41-$42 | $904-$926 | $820-$840 | neutral |
| Korea* | $42-$43 | $926-$948 | $840-$860 | neutral |
**DDP loaded truck delivered into Houston