Mainstream ex-China steel plate offer prices from mills have been heard at $740-750/mt FOB for August shipment as of today, Monday, July 4, down by $10/mt compared to June 27. Reference deal prices have been heard at $730/mt FOB to South America and Southeast Asia, compared to $740/mt FOB a week ago.
During the given week, steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market have moved down amid decreasing HRC future prices and declining semi-finished steel prices. However, steel plate producers have been unwilling to reduce outputs so far, which may exert a negative impact on prices. Though demand for plate in China has been somewhat better than in the HRC segment, it is considered to be insufficient and so bearish sentiments have prevailed among market players. It is thought that steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market will likely fluctuate within a limited range in the coming week or may decline further.
Average Q235 20 mm steel plate spot prices in China have moved down by RMB 119/mt ($17.8/mt) compared to June 27, standing at RMB 4,517/mt ($674/mt) ex-warehouse, according to SteelOrbis’ information.
As of July 4, HRC futures at the Shanghai Futures Exchange are standing at RMB 4,186/mt ($625/mt), decreasing by RMB 153/mt ($22.8/mt) or 3.5 percent since June 27.
$1 = RMB 6.7071
