Prices for cold-rolled and galvanized steel sheet in the United States strengthened again after buyers said they were ready to order spot material and mills expressed uncertainty over when availability would open up. HDG prices rose for the 13th consecutive week.
Fastmarkets' weekly price assessment for steel cold-rolled coil, fob mill US climbed to $43 per hundredweight ($860 per short ton) on Thursday November 5 from $42 per cwt on Thursday October 29. The cold roll price has gained 38.7% since descending to a 4 1/2 -year low in early August.Fastmarkets' price assessment for steel hot-dipped galvanized coil (cold-rolled base), fob mill US increased to $43.50 per cwt on Thursday from $42.50 per cwt a week earlier. That price has soared 40.3% during its 13-week increase, which began Thursday August 13.Prices "are up again this week. Go figure," one sheet consumer said on Thursday after inquiring about any window...