Mainstream ex-China steel plate offer prices from mills have been heard at $750-760/mt FOB for August shipment as of today, Monday, June 27, moving sideways compared to last week. After last week’s fall by $30/mt, demand has not improved significantly, but futures prices have rebounded after previous decreases, which has kept export prices from recording further declines.
Reference deal prices have been heard at $740/mt FOB to South America and Southeast Asia.
During the given week, steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market have indicated declines as HRC futures prices moved down first, though moving back up later. The hot weather and rainy season in southern China have exerted a negative impact on the demand for steel plate, resulting in prevailing cautious sentiments towards the prospects for the future market. 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 moved down by RMB 84/mt ($12.6/mt) compared to June 20, standing at RMB 4,636/mt ($693.5/mt) ex-warehouse, according to SteelOrbis’ information.
As of June 27, HRC futures at the Shanghai Futures Exchange are standing at RMB 4,339/mt ($649/mt), rising by RMB 119/mt ($17.8/mt) or 2.8 percent since June 20.
$1 = RMB 6.685