Turkish import plate market indicates slight rise

Import plates, which were not available in the Turkish market in recent weeks, have returned to the market with a rise. The base price of Ukrainian mills Ilyich and Alchevsk have increased to $700/mt CFR Turkey from $680-690/mt CFR Turkey. It is reported that the order books for Ilyich and Alchevsk production plates are full for 2007 and that products cannot be shipped before January 2008. Moreover, DMZ, another Ukrainian mill, is reported to be present in the market with a base price of $665/mt CFR Turkey, which is the same as the previous month's level. The base price of Russian mill Ashinskiy for plates is $685/mt CFR Turkey. All these prices are base prices and effective for commercial grade plates. As of this week, new offer levels have emerged in the market. For instance, there are offers for Ilyich production plates at $720/mt CFR Turkey. On the other hand, Chinese origin materials are still found to be on the high side in the Turkish market. Prices at $660-680/mt FOB are not available in the market due to the high freight rates ($100-120). The plate market is expected to keep its strength till the end of the year. For plates, which move differently from the other flat products, no price decline is expected for the upcoming period.

The base prices for commercial grade plates are as follows: