Mainstream ex-China steel plate offer prices from mills have been heard at $680/mt FOB for June shipment as of today, Monday, April 17, moving sideways compared to April 10. Reference deal prices have been heard at $670/mt FOB to South America and Southeast Asia, also remaining unchanged compared to April 10.
During the given week, steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market have moved down amid poorer transaction activities. Steel plate producers have been less willing to produce due to declining profitability. At the same time, inventory levels of steel plate have decreased. Market players have mostly held a cautious view of the future prospects for the steel plate market as the Labor Day holiday (April 29-May 3) is approaching.
Average Q235 20 mm steel plate spot prices in China have lost RMB 14/mt ($2.0/mt) compared to April 10, standing at RMB 4,443/mt ($647/mt) ex-warehouse, according to SteelOrbis’ information.
As of April 17, HRC futures at the Shanghai Futures Exchange are standing at RMB 4,016/mt ($581/mt), rising by RMB 13/mt ($1.9/mt) or 0.3 percent since April 10.
$1 = RMB 6.8679
