US import HDG prices still “out of control”

Whereas some US import HDG offer prices have remained stable albeit high week-over-week, others have jumped significantly. “If you need import Galvalume coil for April, you’re going to be price gouged,” a source said. “You’ll get a better price if you’re willing to take delivery in August, but there’s still some reluctance to book futures at these prices because people are worried that domestic prices will come down significantly by then.”

As in previous weeks, higher prices are being supported by two key factors, higher global raw materials costs and increased demand. However, some buyers point to softening global scrap prices, which some believe could place downward pressure on import HDG coil pricing.

Current price ranges are listed in the chart below.