Mainstream ex-China steel plate offer prices from mills have been heard at $550-570/mt FOB for July shipment as of today, Monday, May 13, remaining stable on average as compared to May 6. The reference deal prices have been heard at $550-555/mt FOB to South America, Africa and the Middle East, also moving sideways on average compared to May 6.
During the given week, demand for steel plate has been slack, exerting a negative impact on prices. Production has been at relatively high levels, resulting in slight rises in inventory levels. Downstream users mostly hold cautious sentiments as regards the future trend of the steel plate market. It is thought that steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market will likely edge down in the coming week.
Average Q235 20 mm steel plate spot prices in China have lost RMB 16/mt ($2.3/mt) compared to May 6, standing at RMB 3,917/mt ($552/mt) ex-warehouse, according to SteelOrbis’ information.
As of May 13, HRC futures at Shanghai Futures Exchange are standing at RMB 3,820/mt ($538/mt), decreasing by RMB 57/mt ($8.0/mt) or 1.7 percent since May 6, while up 0.61 percent compared to the previous trading day, May 10.
$1 = RMB 7.103
