Specifically, mainstream ex-China steel plate offer prices from mills have been heard at $475-490/mt FOB for February shipment as of today, Monday, December 29, moving sideways compared to last week. Besides, the reference deal prices have been heard at $470-485/mt FOB to South America, Africa and the Middle East.
During the given week, HRC futures prices have indicated slight rises, bolstering steel plate prices. Part of production lines have been implemented maintenances, resulting in decreases in steel plate output, exerting a positive impact on its prices. However, the demand for steel plate from downstream users has remained slack, weakening the support to its prices. Cautious sentiments prevailed among market players, which may negatively affect its prices in the near future. It is expected that steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market will fluctuate within a limited range in the coming week.
Average 20 mm Q235 20 steel plate spot prices in China have lost RMB 13/mt ($1.8/mt) compared to December 22, standing at RMB 3,363/mt ($478/mt) ex-warehouse, according to SteelOrbis’ information.
As of December 29, HRC futures at Shanghai Futures Exchange are standing at RMB 3,287/mt ($468/mt), increasing by RMB 10/mt ($1.4/mt) or 0.3 percent since December 22, while up 0.55 percent compared to the previous trading day, December 26.
$1 = RMB 7.0331
