In the Shanghai market, the price of 50 mm x 50 mm x 5 m steel angles is now at $590/mt. The same product is sold at $559/mt in the Tangshan market and at $608/mt in the Guangzhou market. Meanwhile, prices of 160 mm x 65 mm x 8.5 mm steel channels stand at $587/mt in the Shanghai market, at $562/mt in Tangshan and at $627/mt in the Guangzhou market. In the Shanghai, Tangshan and Guangzhou markets, 250 mm x 118 mm x 10 m I-beam prices stand respectively at $603/mt, $592/mt and $619/mt. The prices are all ex-mill, including 17 percent VAT. Steel section prices in the Chinese market can be viewed in the SteelOrbis price reports section.
As for billet, prices in the Chinese market moved on a fluctuating trend in the past week, indicating a slight decrease week on week. In Tangshan, the current price of Q235 150 x 150 mm square billet is at RMB 3,220/mt ($512/mt), the price of 165 x 225 mm rectangular billet stands at RMB 3,250/mt ($517mt), while the price of 20MnSi billet is around RMB 3,340/mt ($531/mt). The prices are all ex-mill, including 17 percent VAT.
The Chinese steel section market has fallen slightly in the past week, amid the slight softening of billet prices and low downstream demand. Meanwhile, mills have reported increases in their output volumes following the conclusion of maintenance work. It is believed that, since the supply volume is high, it will be difficult for prices to move up. For the coming week, the steel section market in China is expected to continue to fluctuate on a downward trend.