Steel plate prices in the Turkish market have seen a significant upturn over the past two weeks, supported by a solid positive trend in the hot-rolled coil market and somewhat livelier demand. Some restocking has been seen in both local and import markets, but whether prices will keep on rising is unclear for now.
In the local market, Erdemir has increased its plate prices by $20-30/mt over the past two weeks to $1,100/mt ex-works base, while some buyers reported they received offers $10-20/mt. Domestic ex-warehouse prices for S235JR plate are now standing at $1,170/mt and S355JR material is available at $1,220/mt, SteelOrbis has learned.
Import plate offers for April shipments from Bulgaria’s Stomana increased from $1,070-1,080/mt CFR in early February to $1,120/mt CFR in current offers. Romania-based Galati is offering at $1,115-1,120/mt CFR for the same shipment term, up by $75-80/mt over the past two weeks. The latest offers from Macedonia’s Makstil have been reported at €960/mt CFR for shipbuilding grade, but the supplier is expected to further increase its price for Turkish buyers. South Korean suppliers are taking their time this week to evaluate the market and are holding back their offers.
