Mainstream ex-China steel plate offer prices from large mills have been heard at $810-820/mt FOB for February shipment as of today, Monday, December 27, down by $10/mt compared to December 20. The reference deal prices have been heard at $800-810/mt FOB to South America, but some sources believe that traders may offer slightly below $800/mt FOB to attract buyers in Asia.
During the given week, steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market have declined amid the decreasing trend in HRC futures prices. Cautious sentiment has prevailed among market players, weakening the support for steel plate prices. At the same time, a spell of very cold weather has hit China, exerting a negative impact on steel plate prices. It is thought that steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market will likely soften further in the coming week.
Average Q235 20 mm steel plate spot prices in China have declined by RMB 23/mt ($3.6/mt) week on week to RMB 5,080/mt ($797/mt) ex-warehouse, according to SteelOrbis’ information.
As of December 27, HRC futures at the Shanghai Futures Exchange are standing at RMB 4,413/mt ($693/mt), decreasing by RMB 213/mt ($33.4/mt) or 4.6 percent since December 20.
$1 = RMB 6.369
