Import HDG offers to the US on the rise again

Since last week, Indian mills have raised hot dipped galvanized (HDG) offer prices to the US, but the increases haven't been accepted by US buyers just yet. Indian mills have increased their official offer prices for HDG 0.012"x40.875" G30 and 0.019" x 48" G90 by $15/mt CFR since last week, but traders indicated that US buyers aren't rushing to place an order just yet. HDG 0.019" x 48" G90 prices are unchanged since last week and remain between $41.00-$42.00 cwt. ($904-$926/mt or $820-$840/nt) DDP loaded truck in US Gulf ports, while HDG 0.012"x40.875" G30 prices are up about $0.50 cwt. ($11/mt or $10/nt) in the past week, bringing prices into a similar range.

Indian mills are attempting to hold firm on the increases but no new orders have been placed at the higher prices so far. However, if US domestic HDG spot prices increase in early January, US buyers may become more willing to pay higher import costs. Mexican mills are also banking on higher US spot prices so they can boost prices for HDG and Galvalume as well. In recent weeks, interest in Mexican offers has waned due to so much uncertainty in US domestic prices, so raising their offer prices to US customers has been a struggle. Trader sources have said that while Mexican Galvalume 0.019x41.5625 Gr80/AZ55 offers are up about $1.00 cwt. ($22/mt or $20/nt) to $42.00-$43.00 cwt. ($926-$948/mt or $840-$860/nt) DDP loaded truck delivered into Houston, those prices are likely negotiable for the right order.

**DDP loaded truck delivered into Houston