The price indication of a Chinese mill for the export of 1,500 mt of Q235 grade 20 mm x 1,250 mm x C size hot rolled
plate to
Southeast Asia is $475-485/mt FOB Shanghai on actual weight basis via at sight payment by letter of credit for end of May shipment.
The price level has increased by about $15/mt, compared to $465/mt at the end of November. The mill is not very eager to quote now because of the high price in the domestic market and the possibility of a tax rebate policy change. Besides, the mill's
production lines are booked so full that new orders can only be fulfilled by the end of May. Regarding the price hike, the mill said their customers had so far shown understanding. However, they added that if the current trend continues they will have a tough job negotiating with customers.