Northern American steel market was firm last week with CRU index set at 154.3 points, up by 4 percent compared to the same time of last year.

Currently, US mills offer US$580/ton ex-works for HRC, and US$660/ton for CRC with a decrease of US$10/ton compared to the precious week.

HDG prices are prevailing at US$780/ton, plate and sheet at US$850-870/ton.

The demand for flat products is still weak, at least not as good as it was expected, a steel processor said.

However, the scrap prices have gone down nearly US$10/ton, so the industry represents a doubtful attitude towards price increases in May.

Last week, Arcelor-Mittal announced to increase prices by US$55/ton for wire rod delivered in May.

Regarding to longs products, prices for rebar ex-works was US$656/ton and US$670/ton for wire rod in Northern America.

Due to the weakness of US dollar and comparatively high prices for rebar, the export volumes of US represent decreasing trend.