Turkish hot rolled coil producers have started the week with a wider domestic price range than previously, based on the offered month of production and buyers’ bids. While last week the indicative offers were standing at $920-930/mt ex-works for January deliveries, today offers are mainly at $900-920/mt ex-works, while the $930/mt ex-works level is also voiced by one mill. Still, the buyers believe levels slightly below $900/mt ex-works are possible to get for decent-sized orders. As regards exports, ex-Turkey HRC offers are at $880-930/mt FOB depending on the producer. However, the exchange rate situation and high freight rates continue to affect business, mills say.
In the import segment, the CIS-based mills have managed to sell medium-sized lots with a slight price increase. In particular, Ukraine’s Metinvest traded 10,000 mt of big coils at the end of last week at $880/mt CFR, while earlier 10,000 mt of small coils were sold at $865/mt CFR, as SteelOrbis reported. In addition, Russia’s MMK sold 20,000-30,000 mt of HRC last week at $860/mt CFR and slightly above, sources say.
