Import rod markets have been quiet in the United States, with traders still hesitant to close on cargoes due to ongoing uncertainty around Section 232 exemptions.
American Metal Market kept its assessment of import rod prices steady, at $600-635 per ton ($661-700 per tonne), flat from two weeks ago. The price has been unchanged since February 28, when traders grew concerned about future cargoes before the 232 tariffs were announced. On March 8, President Donald Trump announced a 25% trade duty on steel imports, which later took effect March 23.One trader reported hearing offers at $700-740 per tonne cfr ($635-671 per ton), not including 25% duties, for shipment to various ports - including on the US Gulf and West Coasts. The trader did not cite the country of origin for these apparent offers, and no deals could be confirmed.Other rod traders have booked "very limited" tonnes, that trader said of conversations with customers, including one whose supplier lately...