Mainstream ex-China steel plate offer prices from mills have been heard at $650-660/mt FOB for October shipment as of today, Monday, August 15, moving down by $10-20/mt compared to August 8. Reference deal prices have been heard at $640/mt FOB to South America and Southeast Asia, while last week suppliers were not going to accept below $660/mt FOB.
During the given week, steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market fluctuated within a limited range amid the decreasing trend of HRC futures prices. Recently, a wave of hot weather has hit China, exerting a negative impact on demand for steel plates. It is thought that steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market may continue their fluctuating trend in the coming week.
Average Q235 20 mm steel plate spot prices in China have edged down by RMB 4/mt ($0.6/mt) compared to August 8, standing at RMB 4,286/mt ($636/mt) ex-warehouse, according to SteelOrbis’ information.
As of August 15, HRC futures at the Shanghai Futures Exchange are standing at RMB 4,039/mt ($599/mt), decreasing by RMB 60/mt ($8.9/mt) or 1.46 percent since August 8.
$1 = RMB 6.741