WISCO releases Q2 ex-factory prices

SteelOrbis Shanghai On March 5, southeastern China's Hubei Province-based flats steelmaker Wuhan Iron & Steel Corporation (WISCO) announced its ex-factory product prices for the second quarter of 2007. The details are as follows: 1. Silicon steel Non-oriented steel: prices increased RMB 300/mt ($39/mt) for specifications of 50WW600 and above, while they increased RMB 500/mt ($65/mt) for specifications below 50WW600. Following the adjustment, the new ex-factory price of 50WG800 0.5 mm non-oriented silicon steel is at RMB 5,299/mt ($685/mt). Oriented steel: Prices increased RMB 1,000/mt for specifications of 30Q130 and above, while they increased RMB 500/mt for specifications of 30Q140. Prices of other specifications remain constant. Following the adjustment, the ex-factory price of 30Q140 0.3 mm oriented silicon steel has increased to RMB 30,255/mt ($3,909/mt). 2. Section steel The March prices remain effective for all specifications. Thus, the price of 16# Q235 angle steel is now RMB 3,130/mt ($404/mt), while that of 25# Q235 I-beam is RMB 3,070/mt ($397/mt). 3. Medium plate Prices of carbon structural steel, quality carbon steel, low-alloy steel, and bridge steel increased RMB 100/mt ($13/mt), while they increased RMB 200/mt ($26/mt) for shipbuilding plate. Prices of other specifications are unchanged. Following the adjustment, the price of 14-20 mm Q235 plate is at RMB 3,970/mt ($513/mt). 4. HR coils Prices of common carbon steel, quality carbon steel, and low-alloy steel increased RMB 100/mt ($13/mt). After the changes, the price of 2.75 mm Q235 is at RMB 4,260/mt ($550/mt), while that of 5.75 mm Q235 is at RMB 4,110/mt ($531/mt). 5. CR coils Prices of common carbon CR coils increased RMB 300/mt ($39/mt), while those of other coils increased RMB 200/mt ($26/mt). As a result, the price of 1.0 mm Q195 cold rolled sheet is now at RMB 4,610/mt ($596/mt), while that of 1.0 mm Q195 cold rolled coils is at RMB 4,610/mt ($596/mt). 6. Galvanized Coils Prices increased RMB 100/mt, with the adjusted price of 1.0 mm JY150 now at RMB 4,923/mt ($636/mt). Prices of color coated coils increased RMB 200/mt. Thus, the ex-factory price of 0.5 mm color coated coils has risen to RMB 6,079/mt ($785/mt). 7. Prices of other varieties remain at March levels. All the prices exclude 17 percent VAT and are effective as of March 5, 2007. $1＝RMB 7.74