Mexican domestic hot dipped galvanized (HDG) increased a meager US$1/mt in the last two weeks to reach US$929/mt ex-mill.
While the price bump was nominal, sources expect further increases due to the growing automotive sector in Guanajuato state--in 2014 the region will remain the main source of employment once the new Mazda plant spurs 6,500 jobs early next year.
In addition to the opening of the Japanese firm, there are 17 other small and medium enterprises that will manufacture the parts for Mazda vehicles.