Ex-China steel plate export prices have remained stable over the past week.
Specifically, mainstream ex-China steel plate offer prices from mills have been heard at $500-510/mt FOB for April shipment as of today, Monday, March 30, moving sideways compared to last week. Besides, the reference deal prices have been heard at $495-500/mt FOB to South America, Africa and the Middle East.
During the given period, steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market have seen slight rises amid continuous destocking. Demand for steel plate from downstream users has improved slightly as the machinery and steel structure sectors have seen an accelerated resumption of work, though demand in the infrastructure and real estate sectors has remained relatively weak. The demand for steel plate is expected to be released further in the coming period, while relatively high inventories might negatively affect prices. It is thought that steel plate prices will likely fluctuate within a limited range in the coming week.
Average 20 mm Q235 20 steel plate spot prices in China have gained RMB 4/mt ($0.6/mt) compared to March 23, standing at RMB 3,397/mt ($492/mt) ex-warehouse, according to SteelOrbis’ information.
As of March 30, HRC futures at Shanghai Futures Exchange are standing at RMB 3,308/mt ($479/mt), decreasing by RMB 22/mt ($3.2/mt) or 0.66 percent since March 23, while up 0.33 percent compared to the previous trading day, March 27.
$1 = RMB 6.9223
