US domestic HDG and Galvalume coil prices have climbed yet again, sources note adding that many have started to wonder when the 10+ month pricing uptrend will come to an end. At current, base price HDG spot market prices have risen by 55% since the first week of January, when ex-mill offers were trending at $60-$62 cwt. ($1,323-$1,367/mt or $1,200-$1,240/nt.)
On one hand, data from the American Iron and Steel Institute notes that for week ending June 12, 2021, domestic mills’ capacity utilization rate was recorded at 82.6%, which is on-par with pre-COVID production levels. On the other hand, backlogged orders, the minimal availability of spot market tons, a limited availability of import tons, and still-long domestic mill lead times means that mills “are still in the driver’s seat.”
“For as crazy as these prices are, I don’t think we’re at the top yet,” a source said. “In fact, I’d be surprised if we peaked before the start of Q4.”
This week’s prices are listed in the chart below.
| Product | $/cwt | $/mt | $/nt | Last week | Delivery |
| US domestic HDG base price | $93-$96 | $2,050-$2,116 | $1,860-$1,920 | $91-$92 | ex-mill |
| 0.012” G30 HDG coil | $103+ | $2,271+ | $2,060+ | $101+ | ex-mill |
| US domestic Galvalume base price | $93-$96 | $2,050-$2,116 | $1,860-$1,920 | $91-$92 | ex-mill |
| 0.019x41.5625 Gr80/AZ55 | $104+ | $2,293+ | $2,080+ | $102+ | ex-mill |