Mainstream ex-China steel plate offer prices from mills have been heard at $490-500/mt FOB for February shipment as of today, Monday, December 16, moving down by $5/mt on average as compared to December 16. The reference deal prices have been heard at $490-495/mt FOB to South America, Africa and the Middle East, edging down by $5/mt on average compared to December 16.
During the given week, steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market have moved on a downtrend amid the slack demand from downstream users. Steel plate producers have been less willing to produce due to the low number of orders received. Some specifications have been in short supply, bolstering steel plate prices to a certain degree. However, inventory levels of steel plate have increased slightly, exerting a negative impact on prices. It is expected that steel plate prices in the Chinese domestic market will edge down in the coming week.
Average Q235 20 mm steel plate spot prices in China have moved down by RMB 40/mt ($5.6/mt) compared to December 16, standing at RMB 3,590/mt ($499/mt) ex-warehouse, according to SteelOrbis’ information.
As of December 23, HRC futures at Shanghai Futures Exchange are standing at RMB 3,418/mt ($475.5/mt), decreasing by RMB 75/mt ($10.4/mt) or 2.15 percent since December 16, while up 0.09 percent compared to the previous trading day, December 20.
$1 = RMB 7.187