During the week ending January 23, metallurgical coke prices in the Chinese domestic market have indicated some slight downticks, though some prices have also remained stable, while transaction activity in the overall market has been at slack levels. As of January 23, coke futures contract (1505) offers at Dalian Commodity Exchange closed at RMB 1,033/mt ($166/mt), down $3/mt week on week. Local coke prices in the Chinese domestic market can be viewed in the SteelOrbis price reports section.
During the given week, declines in finished steel spot market prices have put pressure on domestic steelmakers and so they have tried to lower their purchase prices for coke, resulting in slight declines in coke prices in the spot market. However, some coke producers have insisted on keeping their prices unchanged. Disagreements between steelmakers and coke producers on prices have negatively affected transaction volumes. Considering that steelmakers still need to conclude purchases to maintain their production activities, it is expected that coke prices in the Chinese domestic market will remain on a stable trend in the coming week.