Last week (February 6-12), South Korea's hot rolled coil (HRC) imports from China indicated a significant increase, according to Chinese media sources. During the given week, major Chinese domestic traders concluded HRC orders to South Korea totaling over 5,000 mt.
Market insiders have cited the upward trend in offer price levels, lower inventory in South Korea and a more stable exchange rate as the main factors causing the increase in South Korea's HRC import volume from China. During the given week, Chinese HRC offers to South Korea increased from $620-630/mt CFR to $640/mt CFR.