Prices for imported hot-rolled coil in the United States climbed to their highest in more than 12 years amid a lack of offers; meanwhile, prices for imported cold-rolled coil and hot-dipped galvanized steel remained flat, and imported plate logged its third consecutive price rise.
There have been few import offers for hot-rolled coil, and market participants were concerned that prices might decline from current high levels by the time cargoes arrive at US ports, sources said."Imports were really competitive, but now they are at absolutely scary prices," a source said.Fastmarkets' assessment for steel hot-rolled coil, import, ddp Houston was $950-1,000 per short ton ($47.50-50 per hundredweight) on Wednesday January 6, up by 3.72% from $920-960 per ton on December 23 and its...