Chinese semis export prices up

SteelOrbis Shanghai The strong demand in international market led to continuous increase in semis prices, and this in turn reversed the softened Chinese semis market. At present, China's deal prices for common carbon slab exported to the Philippines and Thailand stand at $ 415-420/mt CFR, while those in the previous several weeks are at $370-375/mt CFR. The offers for Q235 billets exported to Southeast Asia are at $355/mt FOB, while the deal prices at $375/mt CFR. The increase range of Chinese semi finished products is around RMB 300/mt ($37) after the Lunar New Year, while the prices of iron ore, coke, pig iron and scrap are stable on the whole. Therefore, the profits of semis producers are abundant. Although steel mills order books for semi-steel are full, they are very cautious and not quite optimistic about the market. Therefore, they may tend to reduce their prices if they do not receive new orders. Unlike the international market; the supply and demand in the domestic market fail to support the current price levels. Billet and slab prices increased from RMB 30/mt to RMB 70/mt ($4-9) last week in local Chinese markets.