The difference between minimum and maximum price levels in the Iranian domestic HDG market has currently narrowed compared to the wide gap which existed a few months ago. In fact, thin HDG specifications (e.g. 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm thicknesses) stood at a far higher price than other sizes a few months back when a gap of $200/mt and sometimes even of $300/mt was observed compared to minimum levels. Recently, the prices of thin specifications have been declining more rapidly than those of other sizes. The current HDG price spectrum in Iran spans $150/mt (between a minimum of $875/mt and a maximum of $1,020/mt). It is obvious, however, that HDG prices in the local Iranian market are now more reasonable and closer to global levels than they were several months ago. Nevertheless, the gap between minimum and maximum HDG price levels in Iran is still greater than is generally the case around the globe.
Indian suppliers are offering HDGI at $660-680/mt CFR Iran's southern ports while Chinese suppliers are capable of offering at even lower prices though there are some doubts about the quality of the ex-China material. The CIS suppliers, who hold the highest market share in Iranian import HDG market, are offering material at around $700-720/mt CFR Iran's northern ports. It goes without saying that all offers are considerably lower than local prices, although the gap is expected to be narrowed by further price reductions in the Iranian domestic HDG market in the future.