Mainstream ex-China steel plate offer prices from mills have been heard at $570-580/mt FOB for February shipment as of today, Monday, December 11, moving sideways on average as compared to December 4. Besides, reference deal prices have been heard at $565/mt FOB to South America and Southeast Asia, remaining stable compared to December 4.
During the given week, steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market have moved up amid the supply shortage and increasing HRC futures prices. At the same time, prices of raw materials, including iron ore and coke, have moved on upward trends, bolstering steel plate prices from the cost side. However, demand for steel plate may slacken, especially given the very cold weather hitting China. It is thought that steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market may edge up slightly in the coming week.
Average Q235 20 mm steel plate spot prices in China have gained RMB 63/mt ($8.8/mt) compared to December 4, standing at RMB 4,100/mt ($576/mt) ex-warehouse, according to SteelOrbis’ information.
As of December 11, HRC futures at the Shanghai Futures Exchange are standing at RMB 4,122/mt ($579/mt), increasing by RMB 138/mt ($19.4/mt) or 3.5 percent since December 4, while down 0.46 percent compared to the previous trading day.
$1 = RMB 7.1163
