Mainstream ex-China steel plate offer prices from mills have been heard at $585-595/mt FOB for August shipment as of today, Monday, July 3, edging up by $5/mt compared to June 26. Reference deal prices have been heard at $580/mt FOB to South America and Southeast Asia, up by $5/mt compared to June 26.
During the given week, steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market have edged up slightly, while demand has been slack. Inventory of steel plate has risen, exerting a negative impact on prices. At the same time, cautious sentiments have prevailed among market players given the recovery in futures HRC prices.
Average Q235 20 mm steel plate spot prices in China have gained RMB 17/mt ($2.4/mt) compared to June 26, standing at RMB 4,067/mt ($564/mt) ex-warehouse, according to SteelOrbis’ information.
As of July 3, HRC futures at the Shanghai Futures Exchange are standing at RMB 3,858/mt ($535/mt), increasing by RMB 103/mt ($14.3/mt) or 2.7 percent since June 26, while up 0.42 percent compared to the previous trading day.
$1 = RMB 7.2157