Mainstream ex-China steel plate offer prices from mills have been heard at $580-590/mt FOB for February shipment as of today, Monday, December 25, moving up by $10/mt on average as compared to December 18. Even though demand has been limited in both local and export markets due to seasonal reasons, some reduction in supply and high raw material prices have pushed prices a bit up. The reference deal prices have been heard at $570-575/mt FOB to South America and Southeast Asia, increasing by $5-10/mt compared to December 18.
During the given week, steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market have seen rises amid steelmakers in northern China reducing their production outputs due to environmental protection measures against heavy pollution. Demand for steel plate has not seen significant rises, resulting in slight rises in inventory levels of plate locally. However, raw material prices have been at relatively high levels, bolstering steel plate prices firmly from cost side. It is thought that steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market may move sideways or edge up slightly in the coming week.
Average Q235 20 mm steel plate spot prices in China have gained RMB 37/mt ($5.2/mt) compared to December 18, standing at RMB 4,117/mt ($580/mt) ex-warehouse, according to SteelOrbis’ information.
As of December 25, HRC futures at the Shanghai Futures Exchange are standing at RMB 4,130/mt ($582/mt), increasing by RMB 106/mt ($14.9/mt) or 2.6 percent since December 18, while up 0.19 percent compared to the previous trading day.
$1 = RMB 7.101