[Ferro-alloys.com] The US metallics market has been quiet in recent days as buyers slowly start to ease back into the market following the holiday period. While the extent to which prices will move is still uncertain as trading starts to resume, it is clear that scrap prices are on the rise. Only a couple of transactions have been concluded at this early date, with some isolated shredded purchases reportedly taking place at $15-20 per lt above December levels. However, while views are varied, some sources feel that prices could rise $20-50 per lt before the January market settles. Meanwhile, while South American and CIS-based producers continue to push higher offer prices, US import prices for scrap substitutes have still failed to witness a noteworthy increase. US buyers are in no hurry to place orders at present, having largely secured sufficient volumes towards the end of last year to last through early 2014, and only one transaction for pig iron has been reported at $385 per mt ($395 per lt) from Southern Brazil for delivery into the US. In Venezuela, pellet shortages continue to limit DRI/HBI availability in the export market, and offer prices of $325 per mt FOB ($355 cfr NOLA) are currently in place.