Mainstream ex-China steel plate offer prices from mills have been heard at $585-595/mt FOB for September shipment as of today, Monday, July 17, remaining stable compared to July 10. However, according to sources, some higher offers from big mills have been heard at around $600-605/mt FOB, given the recovery of futures prices in China. At the same time, reference deal prices have been heard at $580/mt FOB to South America and Southeast Asia, moving sideways compared to July 10.
During the given week, steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market have fluctuated within a limited range amid slightly higher production and rising inventory levels. However, demand from downstream users has remained slack, exerting a negative impact on steel plate prices. Market players have been seeking to hold their prices stable as they think that the current situation may continue in the near future. It is thought that steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market will likely move sideways in the coming week.
Average Q235 20 mm steel plate spot prices in China have lost RMB 3/mt ($0.4/mt) compared to July 10, standing at RMB 4,030/mt ($565/mt) ex-warehouse, according to SteelOrbis’ information.
As of July 17, HRC futures at the Shanghai Futures Exchange are standing at RMB 3,791/mt ($531.5/mt), increasing by RMB 34/mt ($4.8/mt) or 0.9 percent since July 10, while down 1.48 percent compared to the previous trading day.
$1 = RMB 7.1326
