International Steel Prices
January 27, 2019
CRU: Chinese Steel Prices Rangebound Despite Monetary Easing
Written by Tim Triplett
By CRU Steel Editor Linda Lin, Shanghai, China
Through late December and the first half of January, Chinese exporters were able to realize a small increase in steel export prices for the first time since August. The m/m increase in HR coil was limited to $2 /t, while rebar prices rose by $6 /t. Price increases in spring and summer 2018 were due to strong supply/demand factors in the Chinese domestic market and reflected the relatively lower interest of Chinese steelmakers in pursuing export sales. This time, however, the Chinese domestic market is weak, both seasonally and as a result of the broader economic slowdown.
