Mainstream ex-China steel plate offer prices from mills have been heard at $490-500/mt FOB for November shipment as of today, Monday, September 15, remaining stable on average as compared to September 8. The reference deal prices have been heard at $485-490/mt FOB to South America, Africa and the Middle East, moving sideways on average compared to September 8.
During the given week, steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market have edged up slightly amid the improved market sentiments during the traditional peak season. However, demand for steel plate has not seen any big improvement, weakening the support for prices. HRC futures prices have indicated slight rises, bolstering market sentiments. Transaction activities in the spot market have mostly been for low-priced steel plate. It is expected that steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market will move sideways in the coming week.
Average Q235 20 mm steel plate spot prices in China have gained RMB 7/mt ($1.0/mt) compared to September 8, standing at RMB 3,497/mt ($492.5/mt) ex-warehouse, according to SteelOrbis’ information.
As of September 15, HRC futures at Shanghai Futures Exchange are standing at RMB 3,370/mt ($475/mt), increasing by RMB 18/mt ($2.5/mt) or 0.5 percent since September 8, while up 0.87 percent compared to the previous trading day, September 12.
$1 = RMB 7.1056