Local and import plate prices in Turkey trend down

The Turkish plate market has seen a downturn in both local and import prices, which is a result of sluggish demand and pressure from buyers. In addition, hot rolled coil prices in the country have weakened, affecting the mood in the plate segment in a negative way. "The market outlook is negative these days, despite strong raw material prices. HRC prices have failed to maintain their levels. Accordingly, steel plate prices have declined, also for import offers. Import offers are still limited but most buyers think they are not attractive at the moment, because a local producer still has allocation for September-October production," a trader told SteelOrbis.

Prices from the local Turkish producer Erdemir have been heard in the market at $1,130-1,150/mt ex-works for S235JR quality and at $1,180-1,230/mt ex-works for S355JR quality plates for September-October production, declining by $20/mt over the past two weeks.

In the import segment, Bulgaria’s Stomana Industry S.A is now in the market for September shipment with limited tonnages. Its prices are at $1,320/mt CFR for S235JR and $1,350/mt for S355JR quality plates, declining by $80/mt in the same period. Romania is again in the market with $1,295/mt CFR for August production for S235JR quality. The Romanian company's latest offers were at $1,090-1,100/mt CFR for July rolling of the same grade. Metinvest is expected to offer soon, but is still not in the market. The company's latest prices were at $1,160-1,170/mt CFR, as SteelOrbis has heard.

In the shipbuilding plate segment, Macedonia-based Makstil is offering at €1,030/mt CFR for S235JR quality and at €1,060/mt CFR for S355JR quality, for September deliveries, decreasing by €30/mt in the last two weeks, as SteelOrbis has learned.

Prices have declined by $20/mt in the local Turkish spot market over the past two weeks.