Mainstream ex-China steel plate offer prices from mills have been heard at $475-485/mt FOB for June shipment, moving sideways on average as compared to April 14. 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 April 14.
During the given week, steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market have seen slight rises amid the continuous declines in inventory levels. There have been limited steel plate supplies arriving in the spot market, bolstering steel plate prices to a certain degree. Traders have been seeking to keep their prices firm amid the expectations of stock replenishment from downstream users, especially as the Labor Day holiday (May 1-5) is approaching, which will exert a positive impact on steel plate prices in the near future. It is thought that steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market will edge up slightly in the coming week.
Average Q235 20 mm steel plate spot prices in China have gained RMB 10/mt ($1.4/mt) compared to April 14, standing at RMB 3,543/mt ($492/mt) ex-warehouse, according to SteelOrbis’ information.
As of April 21, HRC futures at Shanghai Futures Exchange are standing at RMB 3,209/mt ($446/mt), decreasing by RMB 33/mt ($4.6/mt) or 1.0 percent since April 14, while up 0.69 percent compared to the previous trading day, April 18.
$1 = RMB 7.2055