Mainstream ex-China steel plate offer prices from mills have been heard at $475-480/mt FOB for August shipment as of today, Monday, June 30, remaining unchanged on average as compared to June 23. The reference deal prices have been heard at $475/mt FOB to South America, Africa and the Middle East, also remaining stable on average compared to June 23.
During the given period, steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market have edged down slightly as traders have been unwilling to build up stocks during the traditional off-season. Inventories of steel plate have indicated slight declines, while remaining at relatively low levels compared to the same period last year. High temperatures and heavy rains in some regions of China have exerted a negative impact on construction activities, negatively affecting the steel plate market. It is thought that steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market will fluctuate within a limited range in the coming week.
Average 20 mm Q235 steel plate spot prices in China have lost RMB 20/mt ($3/mt) compared to June 23, standing at RMB 3,367/mt ($470/mt) ex-warehouse, according to SteelOrbis’ information.
As of June 30, HRC futures at Shanghai Futures Exchange are standing at RMB 3,123/mt ($436/mt), increasing by RMB 11/mt ($1.5/mt) or 0.35 percent since June 23, while up 0.13 percent compared to the previous trading day, June 27.
$1 = RMB 7.1586
