Mainstream ex-China steel plate offer prices from mills have been heard at $570-580/mt FOB for January shipment as of today, Monday, November 21, moving sideways compared to November 14. Reference deal prices have been heard at $550-560/mt FOB to South America and Southeast Asia, remaining also stable compared to last week.
During the given week, steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market have fluctuated within a limited range amid the prevailing cautious sentiments among market players. However, inventory levels of steel plate have decreased, providing some support for prices. Currently, some specifications of steel plate are in short supply, which will bolster steel plate prices to some extent. It is expected that steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market will likely continue their fluctuating trend in the coming week.
Average Q235 20 mm steel plate spot prices in China have gained RMB 7/mt ($0.98/mt) compared to November 14, standing at RMB 3,903/mt ($548/mt) ex-warehouse, according to SteelOrbis’ information.
As of November 21, HRC futures at the Shanghai Futures Exchange are standing at RMB 3,756/mt ($527/mt), increasing by RMB5/mt ($0.7/mt) or 0.13 percent since November 14.
$1 = RMB 7.1256