Import hot dipped galvanized (HDG) and Galvalume coil activity in the US has continued to increase in the last week as traders report a slew of orders being placed, mostly with Chinese and Indian mills, for delivery in February. Price increases from US domestic flats mills inspired renewed US-buyer confidence in offshore material, which is priced well under current US spot prices.
Taiwanese and Indian mills have essentially closed order books for December production, and if US domestic spot prices increase--even moderately--in the near term as anticipated, new import prices for January production will likely be higher than current offer prices. Similarly, Mexican mills are all-but-guaranteed to follow the US domestic price trend to ensure a steady flow of orders.
| Import HDG offers to the US | Cwt. | Metric ton (mt) | Net ton (nt) | Change from last week |
| 0.012"x40.875" G30 | ||||
| India* | $47-$48 | $1,036-$1,058 | $940-$960 | neutral |
| China* | $46.50-$47.50 | $1,025-$1,047 | $930-$950 | neutral |
| Mexico** | $45-$47 | $992-$1,036 | $900-$940 | neutral |
| 0.019" x 48" G90 | ||||
| China* | $47.50-$48.50 | $1,047-$1,069 | $950-$970 | neutral |
| India* | $48-$49 | $1,058-$1,080 | $960-$980 | neutral |
| Taiwan* | $49-$50 | $1,080-$1,102 | $980-$1,000 | neutral |
| Import Galvalume offers to the US | ||||
| 0.019x41.5625 Gr80/AZ55 | ||||
| Taiwan* | $48.50-$49.50 | $1,069-$1,091 | $970-$990 | neutral |
| Mexico** | $47-$49 | $1,036-$1,080 | $940-$980 | neutral |
| China* | $48-$49 | $1,058-$1,080 | $960-$980 | neutral |
*DDP loaded truck delivered into Houston