US import HDG market holds lateral into the New Year

As with last week, inquiries and order activity for US import hot dipped galvanized and Galvalume coil are mostly quiet, as many people within the US steel industry will not return to work until Monday of next week.  Futures prices for 0.019x41.5625 Gr80/AZ55 Galvalume coil prices from Brazil continue to trend approximately $3.00 cwt. ($66/mt or $60/nt) below US domestic offer prices, which continue to hold in the approximate range of $34.50-$35.50 ($761-$783/mt or $690-$710/nt), ex-Midwest mill, but many question what impact the US import trade case final determinations announcement, which is due in mid-January, will have to US import prices.