International pig iron market remains quiet

In the Turkish domestic pig iron market, local producer Kardemir has not changed its prices since it reduced them by $30/mt on January 24. Accordingly, Kardemir's price of H1 pig iron still stands at $545/mt plus VAT, its H2 price is at $535/mt plus VAT, while its price of C1 pig iron stands at $510/mt plus VAT, and its price for C2 pig iron is at $500/mt plus VAT.
 
The declines seen in scrap prices for weeks now, coupled with China's poor demand, have caused iron ore prices to begin regressing this week, resulting in a downward price expectation for pig iron also.
 
Nevertheless, CIS producers' pig iron export offers have followed a sideways trend this week at $440-460/mt FOB. While Russian producers are offering pig iron to Turkey at $460-470/mt CFR, Ukrainian producers' offers are at $460/mt CFR.
 
On the other hand, weaker flat steel demand in the US is thought to be negatively affecting pig iron sales to the country and to be exerting pressure on pig iron prices.