Ex-China steel plate export prices have moved sideways over the past week.
Specifically, mainstream ex-China steel plate offer prices from mills have been heard at $505-515/mt FOB for June shipment as of today, Monday, April 20, remaining stable compared to last week. Besides, the reference deal prices have been heard at $500-505/mt FOB to South America, Africa and the Middle East.
During the given period, steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market have moved up amid increasing HRC futures prices. Lately, steel plate producers have been more eager to produce due to improved profitability, which will result in sufficient levels of supply arriving in the market in the coming week. Demand for steel plate from downstream users has improved slightly, but not as significantly as market players had expected. It is thought that steel plate prices will likely fluctuate within a limited range in the coming week.
Average 20 mm Q235 steel plate spot prices in China have gained RMB 30/mt ($4.4/mt) compared to April 13, standing at RMB 3,427/mt ($500/mt) ex-warehouse, according to SteelOrbis’ information.
As of April 20, HRC futures at Shanghai Futures Exchange are standing at RMB 3,362/mt ($477/mt), increasing by RMB 84/mt ($12.2/mt) or 2.6 percent since April 13, while up 1.17 percent compared to the previous trading day, April 17.
$1 = RMB 6.8648
