In the Shanghai market, the price of 50 mm x 50 mm x 5 m steel angles is now at $589/mt. The same product is sold at $549/mt in the Tangshan market and at $605/mt in the Guangzhou market. Meanwhile, prices of 160 mm x 65 mm x 8.5 mm steel channels stand at $589/mt in the Shanghai market, at $561/mt in Tangshan and at $634/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 $605/mt, $567/mt and $618/mt. The prices are all ex-mill, including 17 percent VAT. Average steel section prices in China can be viewed in the SteelOrbis price reports section.
As for billet, prices in the Chinese market moved on a downward trend during the past week. In Tangshan, the current price of Q235 150 mm x 150 mm square billet is at RMB 3,170/mt ($503/mt), the price of 165 mm x 225 mm rectangular billet stands at RMB 3,200/mt ($508mt), while the price of 20MnSi billet is around RMB 3,290/mt ($522/mt). The prices are all ex-mill, including 17 percent VAT.
The small decline in steel section prices in China in the past week is considered to be a correction after the previous price rises, while also being due to the lack of support from demand. Meanwhile, today, December 24, there has been some improvement in trading activity, which may provide some support for prices. For the short term, it is believed that China's section market will continue to be characterized by a fluctuating trend, while it is thought that prices could soften further if the trading volume fails to show any improvement.