Several import plate suppliers have increased their prices to Turkey, though citing factors like the exchange rate and higher scrap and HRC prices, rather than better demand.
Import offers particularly from Asia have moved up in Turkey, in some cases following some sales. In particular, according to sources, South Korea has been selling lately at down to $680-700/mt CFR, while the most recent offers have been reported at $720/mt CFR, but for March deliveries. China has also increased offers over the past week to $670-680/mt CFR, from $640-650/mt CFR a week ago.
As for EU suppliers, Bulgaria’s offers are stable at $830/mt CFR for January shipments, while Romania has decided to add $40/mt over the past week to $860/mt CFR for the same shipment term. “It is linked to the euro-dollar exchange rate and the workable price for Turkey has not settled yet,” a market source told SteelOrbis.
Local producer Erdemir is offering at $780-830/mt ex-works for January production and depending on the grade, which is relatively stable over the past week. The retail plate prices in Turkey are now at $870-880/mt ex-warehouse in most cases, down $10/mt over the same period.