Mainstream ex-China steel plate offer prices from mills have been heard at $475-485/mt FOB for June shipment as of today, Monday, April 7, moving sideways on average as compared to March 31. The reference deal prices have been heard at $475-480/mt FOB to South America, Africa and the Middle East, also remaining stable on average compared to March 31.
During the given week, steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market have edged down slightly amid the equilibrium between supply and demand. Inventory of steel plate stands at a reasonable level, bolstering market sentiments to a certain degree. However, on April 7, the global financial markets fell sharply due to Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, and this will likely weaken the support for the steel plate market. It is thought that steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market will likely fluctuate within a limited range in the coming week.
Average Q235 20 mm steel plate spot prices in China have lost RMB 3/mt ($0.4/mt) compared to March 31, standing at RMB 3,537/mt ($491/mt) ex-warehouse, according to SteelOrbis’ information.
As of April 7, HRC futures at Shanghai Futures Exchange are standing at RMB 3,261/mt ($453/mt), decreasing by RMB 81/mt ($11/mt) or 2.4 percent since March 31, while down 3.06 percent compared to the previous trading day, April 3.
$1 = RMB 7.198