Plate prices in Turkey have not changed much over the past week, while demand has remained at medium levels. In fact, according to suppliers, the inflow of orders is still the same and the bullish sentiment, which is seen in Turkey’s hot rolled coil and coated steel segments, has not yet been reflected in the plate segment.
The current offers from Bulgaria for end-of-April and May shipments are at $1,050/mt CFR. The same level is offered from Romania, $10/mt above last week’s level. Macedonia, according to buyers, is offering at €1,010-1,020/mt CFR for end-of-April shipments, the same as a week ago.
In the domestic market, there is a certain shortage, as Erdemir is still staying away from active offering. According to market players, the producer had previously scheduled maintenance works at its facility, while some sources suggest the absence of offers may be due to issues at Isdemir, its sister company which normally supplies a certain amount of slab to Erdemir.
In the retail market, plate offers in Turkey have remained stable at $1,1150-1,200/mt ex-warehouse depending on the grade and the seller.