During the seventh week of 2008 (February 11-17), the CIS export markets saw an activation of purchases and also a price rise as regards some product groups. For instance, during the given period, the Black Sea region scrap market saw a slow return of consumers to the markets; meanwhile, at the Russian Far East ports, the scrap price experienced a price rise following the conclusion of the Chinese New Year holiday. In addition, both long and flat products of CIS origin registered price rises in their export markets.
On the other hand, the CIS domestic flats and longs markets continued to climb upward (some products more than others), supporting the optimism of exporters. As for the Ukrainian and Russian domestic scrap markets, they saw different trends during the week ended February 17. Although both markets retained their strength, prices continued their rise in Ukraine but remained stable in Russia.
Scrap: Black Sea region scrap market starts to show activity
During the seventh week of the year, the Black Sea region scrap market saw some activities as regards scrap purchases. However, many market players in the region from both the supply and demand sides were still not ready to return to the market, preferring to wait for the market situation to become clearer. Thus, although prices for semis and finished steel products have gone up once again, many scrap consumers in the region are putting pressure on for the lowering of scrap prices. On the other hand, scrap suppliers from the CIS are resisting this pressure due to the currently strong local markets for scrap. As for the Far East scrap market, following the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations, scrap prices started to rise again for that destination. However, due to the low stocks of the Russian exporters in the country's Far East ports, not many sales for A3 grade scrap were made during the week ended February 17.
The Russian scrap market experienced a strong stable trend during the week in question. Although, many steel mills continued active purchases of scrap in the market, no price fluctuation was seen in the market during the week ended February 17.
On the other hand, the Ukrainian domestic market continued to trend upward as regards scrap prices during the week in question. Depending on the mill and on delivery terms, scrap price rose by UAH 20-60/mt ($4-15/mt) in the Ukrainian domestic market.
Longs: CIS domestic strength imparts positive mood to exporters
During the week ended February 17, the CIS billet export markets continued to be strong especially after Southeast Asia returned to active purchases following the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. The activity in the latter market pushed buyers in the Middle East and Gulf regions to reconsider their position regarding the acceptance of new increased ex-CIS billet prices. As a result, deals were heard at the price level of $655-660/mt FOB, while the offers were heard at the level of $670/mt FOB and above.
As for long products, following the reactivation of the CIS billet export markets, both ex-CIS rebar and wire rod exporters started to pressure consumers for higher prices. An optimistic mood persists among the exporters, especially given the continuous strengthening of the Ukrainian and Russian domestic longs markets.
Flats: CIS flats rise in price
During the week ended February 17, many CIS flats producers entered their export market with new increased prices. As expected, the prices increased considerably. For instance, for the Turkish market, the price rise for ex-CIS products consisted of about $100/mt. However, since not all of the producers have announced their prices, the current market level is difficult to determine.
The Russian domestic flats market was stable during the week in question, with only minor price rises seen in the HR and galvanized steel segments.
The Ukrainian domestic market showed some rising trends as regards all flat products. During the week in question, HR increased by UAH 50/mt ($10/mt), CR rose by UAH 40/mt ($8/mt) and galvanized steel went up by UAH 50/mt ($10/mt).