In the Shanghai market, the price of 50 mm x 50 mm x 5 m steel angles is now at $687/mt. The same product is sold at $652/mt in the Tangshan market and at $715/mt in the Guangzhou market. Meanwhile, prices of 160 mm x 65 mm x 8.5 mm steel channels stand at $687/mt in the Shanghai market, at $669/mt in Tangshan and at $723/mt in the Guangzhou market. In the Shanghai, Tangshan and Guangzhou markets, 250 mm x 118 mm x 10 m I-beam prices stand respectively at $693/mt, $671/mt and $707/mt. The prices are all ex-mill, including 17 percent VAT. Average steel section prices in China can be viewed in the SteelOrbis price reports section.
As for billet, prices in the Chinese market have remained stable during the past week. In Tangshan, the current price of Q235 150 x 150 mm square billet is at RMB 3,810/mt ($605/mt), the price of 165 x 225 mm rectangular billet stands at 3,840/mt ($611/mt), while the price of 20MnSi billet is around RMB 3,930/mt ($627/mt). The prices are all ex-mill, including 17 percent VAT.
In April, funds are still on the tight side. Meanwhile, mills' price increases have pushed up traders' purchasing costs, though downstream demand is still lackluster. Traders are experiencing difficulties in this current market situation. Market observers believe that the mills' price increases and ongoing decreases in inventory levels will continue to provide support for market prices, though support from downstream demand will also be needed for prices to increase. It is thought that the Chinese steel section market will continue to indicate slight fluctuations in the coming week.