Although domestic end-user demand for steel plate is moderate in Turkey, actual trade has been a little slow, mainly due to the negative situation in the related flats segment, specifically in hot-rolled coil. Another factor is the persisting large difference between plate and HRC offers, which makes buyers insist on discounts. In addition, the financial situation remains tough and it also affects daily business operations. In such a situation, some suppliers have preferred to provide discounts in order to offer plate closer to the market reality, while some have maintained their offers unchanged over the past week.
The domestic producer Erdemir’s prices have remained at $1,000/mt ex-works for S235JR and $1,050/mt ex-works for S355JR. However, $20/mt discounts may be considered in the case of large orders. In the retail market, stockists are at $1,150-1,200/mt ex-warehouse, though higher offers are also heard in the market.
Import offers from Romania’s Liberty Galati are at $1,030/mt CFR, the same as a week ago. In the meantime, Bulgaria’s Stomana decreased its plate offers to Turkey by around $30/mt to $1,050/mt CFR, SteelOrbis has learned. Ex-South Korea plate is available at $900/mt CFR, the same as a week ago, though some buyers believe $10-20/mt discounts may be applicable. China, according to sources, is at $950/mt CFR and, since the level is not aggressive, the market players believe it is a good sign.