Mainstream ex-China steel plate offer prices from mills have been heard at $465-470/mt FOB for October shipment as of today, Monday, August 19, moving down by $20/mt on average as compared to August 12. The reference deal prices have been heard at $465/mt FOB to South America, Africa and the Middle East, decreasing by $20/mt on average compared to August 12.
During the given week, steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market have moved down rapidly, amid the continuous decreases in ferrous metal futures prices. At the same time, steel plate producers have been unwilling to produce due to the financial losses they have been incurring. Demand for steel plate has remained slack, while downstream users have been cautious in concluding purchases. Following the big decreases already seen in steel plate prices, market players think there may be limited room for further declines. It is thought that steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market will likely edge down in the coming week, though by a limited margin.
Average Q235 20 mm steel plate spot prices in China have lost RMB 186/mt ($26/mt) compared to August 12, standing at RMB 3,217/mt ($451/mt) ex-warehouse, according to SteelOrbis’ information.
As of August 19, HRC futures at Shanghai Futures Exchange are standing at RMB 3,176/mt ($445/mt), decreasing by RMB 198/mt ($28/mt) or 5.9 percent since August 12, while down 1.27 percent compared to the previous trading day, August 16.
$1 = RMB 7.1415
