Mainstream ex-China steel plate offer prices from mills have been heard at $790-800/mt FOB for March shipment as of today, Monday, February 7, remaining stable compared to January 24 as most market players have not yet returned to the market from the long Chinese New Year holiday.
The reference deal prices have been heard at $785-795/mt FOB to South America and Southeast Asia, versus $785-790/mt FOB before the holiday.
Domestic steel plate prices in China have indicated big rises after the holiday, though only a few market players are back in the market. Demand will likely improve in the coming period, which will support local prices at the current levels or even push them up further.
Average Q235 20 mm steel plate spot prices in China have moved up by RMB 146/mt ($23/mt) compared to late January to RMB 5,126/mt ($806/mt) ex-warehouse, according to SteelOrbis’ information.
As of February 7, HRC futures at the Shanghai Futures Exchange are standing at RMB 4,980/mt ($783/mt), increasing by RMB 207/mt ($32.6/mt) or 4.3 percent since January 24.
$1 = RMB 6.358
