Mainstream ex-China steel plate offer prices from mills have been heard at $580-590/mt FOB for April shipment as of today, Monday, January 29, moving sideways on average as compared to January 22. The reference deal prices have been heard at $575-580/mt FOB to South America, Africa and the Middle East, also remaining stable over the past week.
The prevailing cautious sentiments among market players have negatively affected the market, while shrinking outputs have bolstered steel plate prices to a certain degree.
During the given week, steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market have risen amid increasing HRC futures prices. Currently, many steel plate producers have been implementing maintenance works, resulted in declining outputs and providing support for prices. Traders have been cautious as regards the future prospects for the steel plate market as the Chinese New Year holiday (February 9-16) draws closer. The demand for steel plate will be slacker in the near future as more construction sites will halt construction activities ahead of the holiday. 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 risen by RMB 33/mt ($4.6/mt) compared to January 22, standing at RMB 4,150/mt ($584.5/mt) ex-warehouse, according to SteelOrbis’ information.
As of January 29, HRC futures at the Shanghai Futures Exchange are standing at RMB 4,092/mt ($576/mt), increasing by RMB 63/mt ($8.9/mt) or 1.6 percent since January 22, while decreasing by 0.2 percent compared to the previous trading day (January 26).
$1 = RMB 7.1097
