CRU launches US Galvalume benchmark

On July 1, CRU launched a US Galvalume coil benchmark price to serve this growing market. While hot-dipped Galvalume coil prices trend with hot-dipped galvanized (HDG) coil prices, spreads can emerge due to different dynamics with US producers, imports, inventories and demand.

Galvalume is a licensed product by BIEC International Inc. that is steel sheet coated with 55% aluminum, 43.4% zinc and 1.6% silicon. This gives Galvalume superior corrosion resistance relative to HDG coil – with a higher all-in cost. Galvalume’s durability makes it well-suited for metal roofing and buildings, which are the main end-uses for the product. HDG coil is used in the construction sector too, but it also has more end-users in the HVAC, automotive and appliance markets.

Estelle Tran

Estelle Tran is a senior analyst at CRU based in Pittsburgh. Estelle joined CRU as a steel and ferroalloy prices analyst in October 2017. She is the main contact for data providers who contribute to the CRU Midwest flat-rolled steel indices. She is also the editor of the Steel Monitor and analyzes the monthly service center inventories report for Steel Market Update. Prior to joining CRU, Estelle worked at S&P Global Platts, reporting on flat-rolled steel, long steel, primary aluminum and trade issues. She earned a B.A. in English writing and history from the University of Pittsburgh. Estelle is also past president of the Pittsburgh chapter of the Association of Women in the Metal Industries and the Northeast regional vice chair.